Welcome to the second Seed Stories evening, where photography is explored as a manifestation of consciousness.
Join researcher Antoinette Johnson, Fort McMurray resident Megan Bastien and artist Alan McFetridge in conversation.
In mid-October 2016, artist and photographer Alan McFetridge arrived in Fort McMurray, intending to explore its portrayal as a lawless oil boomtown post-fire. However, he discovered unexpected kindness and humanity amidst the catastrophe that appeared disconnected from the visible world. A chance encounter with Fort McMurray resident Megan Basiten on Tower Road and friendship that kindled in the ashes reshaped his perspective, emphasising the importance of witness and human stories over simplistic narratives.
Many years later, Alan had another chance to meet with Antoinette Johnson, a researcher based in the UK. Antoinette examined the event from the viewpoint of a generation that has only experienced a world in the midst of a climate crisis and began writing the essay 'So-Called Canada' to sit beside the projects’ photography and the poetic beginning of the monograph ‘Songs of the Dead’.
Megan, Antionette and Alan share their stories and perspectives on the Fort McMurray Fire and discuss overlaps and crossovers with each other and the audience.
Gathering and Greeting - 19:30
Presentations Begin at 19:45 - Each artist presents for 15/20 mins
Informal Discussion at 20:45
Closing at 21:30
The extent of the Fort McMurray fire reveals the broader significance of local wildfires, underscoring the tangible realities we face on our planet. A.M.
Speakers:
Antionette Johnson:
Antoinette Johnson (They/Them) is a Writer and Literary Scholar whose work traverses the intersections of literature, science, and social justice. Their essay "So-Called Canada" explores the intricate relationship between wildfire, biodiversity, and indigenous land management practices. Antoinette's academic journey reflects a commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship. They are embarking on a PhD that integrates concepts from Human Behavioural Ecology and methodologies of Anthropology to examine Jamaican literature. Through their interdisciplinary approach, they seek to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the world and inspire meaningful social change.
Megan Bastien:
Megan is an avid dog trainer and equestrian who spends much of her time in the boreal forest with her animals. She has volunteered for the Red Cross Society of Canada's emergency response team and is also the Tower Road Equestrian Society president. Megan is actively involved in the community of Fort McMurray, participating in various activities related to its people and ecology.
Alan McFetridge:
Alan McFetridge, a UK-based artist of Aotearoa/New Zealand origin, employs his agricultural heritage and urban encounters to explore Landscape Fire.
His awareness of the severity of the Global Fire Crisis was reinforced when he documented the aftermath of a devastating wildfire in Canada in 2016. Anthropogenic Fire in Australia between 2018 and 2020, then in Greece and the U.K. from 2020 - 2023. He explored the trauma of mass evacuation and the accompanying sudden upheaval in his book "On The Line" (2019), which has been nominated for the distinguished Prix Pictet prize five times.
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