X̱á7elcha (Lynn Creek) Watergrams
2022, dimensions variable, mediums variable.

The light-sensitive surface is a direct canvas for material collaboration. My work, X̱á7elcha (Lynn Creek) Watergrams, focuses on using this method to give authorship to this river as we work in alliance with each other. By submerging photographic paper in the water and capturing direct prints of its refractions, we render what the human eye and traditional photographic practices would otherwise be unable to produce.

This type of intervention calls for a holistic approach, assuring that every material and action I engage with interacts with the water as respectfully as possible. Through this process, I use location-specific materials: such as a developer made from surrounding blossoms, and river water as a stop bath. These photochemical alternatives alongside the natural forces and matter captured in the prints demonstrate how distinctive their interplay makes the images produced.

This river is one I see as my kin, and through this practice, I acknowledge my position on this land as both a maker and a marker. X̱á7elcha (Lynn Creek), has a long history of surrounding settler development. With this work, I aim to bring forward a symbiotic relation that creates dialogue around this body of water beyond what's surfacely portrayed, and challenges viewers to investigate the footprints they leave through their daily habits.

Project Assistants:
Emil Vargas
Tillie Roy
Leo Mah
Felicity Crisp
Taliesin Mason-McCrea



Dog Rose, Autumn Leaves and Red Flowering Currant #1, #3, #2 from the Xa7elcha (Lynn Creek) Watergrams 2022, 22 x 20", silver gelatin prints.


Dog Rose, Autumn Leaves and Red Flowering Current #1 from the X̱á7elcha (Lynn Creek) Watergrams Watergrams series, 2022, 20 x 22”, silver gelatin print.


Dog Rose, Autumn Leaves and Red Flowering Current #3 from the X̱á7elcha (Lynn Creek) Watergrams series, 2022, 20 x 22”, silver gelatin print.


Dog Rose, Autumn Leaves and Red Flowering Current #2 from the X̱á7elcha (Lynn Creek) Watergrams series, 2022, 20 x 22”, silver gelatin print.


Dog Rose, Autumn Leaves and Red Flowering Current 1, 2 & 3 from X̱á7elcha (Lynn Creek) Watergrams series, 2022, 20 x 22”, silver gelatin prints. Photo by Michael Love.


Dog Rose and Autumn Leaves #2, #4, #1, #5, #3 from the X̱á7elcha (Lynn Creek) Watergramsseries, 2022, 21.5 x 19.25, silver gelatin prints.


Dog Rose and Autumn Leaves #2 from the X̱á7elcha (Lynn Creek) Watergrams series, 2022, 21.5 x 19.25, silver gelatin print.


Dog Rose and Autumn Leaves #4 from the X̱á7elcha (Lynn Creek) Watergrams series, 2022, 21.5 x 19.25, silver gelatin print.


Dog Rose and Autumn Leaves #1 from the X̱á7elcha (Lynn Creek) Watergrams series, 2022, 21.5 x 19.25, silver gelatin print.


Dog Rose and Autumn Leaves #5 from the X̱á7elcha (Lynn Creek) Watergrams series, 2022, 21.5 x 19.25, silver gelatin print.


Dog Rose and Autumn Leaves #3 from the X̱á7elcha (Lynn Creek) Watergrams series, 2022, 21.5 x 19.25, silver gelatin print.


Scotch Broom and Horse Chestnut #2, #5, #4, #1, #3 from the Xa7elcha (Lynn Creek) Watergrams series, 2022, dimensions variable, 7.5 x 1 3/8", 35mm film.


Scotch Broom and Horse Chestnut #2, #5, #4 from the Xa7elcha (Lynn Creek) Watergrams series, 2022, dimensions variable, 7.5 x 1 3/8", 35mm film.


Scotch Broom and Horse Chestnut #1, #3 from the Xa7elcha (Lynn Creek) Watergrams series, 2022, dimensions variable, 7.5 x 1 3/8", 35mm film.


Exhibitions:

2023 - upcoming - X̱á7elcha (Lynn Creek) Watergrams series, group show with Ana Valine and Karen Zalamea, Or Gallery, Vancouver BC
2022 - repetition + difference, Emily Carr Student Exhibition, two-person show with David Macgillivray, ECU, Vancouver BC
2022 - Stranger than Fiction, curated by Emmy Lee Wall, Capture Photography Festival, Vancouver BC