A PLACE for the ARTS
​presents

Guides: What Our Wildlife
​Neighbours Can Teach Us

Ken Balmer

From May 27th to June 28th in the Annex Gallery

About The Exhibit

This show is a plea to overcome our DOMINATION ethics (prioritizing human well-being) and be guided by MUTUALISM (striving for egalitarian relationships with wildlife). 

First Nations understand deeply that the conscious energy of orenda coexists in people, wildlife, plants and nature – sacred, interconnected, the essential web of life.  Buddhists accept animals as sentient beings, sharing our potential for enlightenment – we can be reincarnated as animals or vice versa. Taoism believes that harmony between humanity and nature is a supreme principle - more important than good relations between people. 

Orenda is an Iroquois name for a supernatural force believed to be present in all people and creatures. It is the spiritual driver for accomplishment; the essential element that allows us to thrive and survive.  My artistic interpretations of animals, birds, fish or insects strive to capture that essence in each subject.

Cultures throughout the ages have sought to learn from spirit guides, totems or power animals; forever linking human self-awareness and growth to the positive energies and teachings of nature. Animals, mythical creatures, fairies, ancient deities, interdimensional beings have all generated the lessons we desire. The ancient Greeks, the Celts, First Nations around the world, Shamanism in all its forms, Buddhism and other spiritual quests have all provided us with written messages from their long lists of spirit guides.
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This show pairs my art with my sense of what each creature may be telling us. It has always been a pleasure to spend hours trying to capture both the likeness and essential energy of each subject that calls out for my time.
GRIZZLY
​Prowl with me over vast mountainous landscapes; learn to share your range with others when times are bountiful.  Sense with me as I rise to smell and hear subtle messages from the wind; each awakening intuitive voices within.  Meditate with me each winter; re-enter our world each spring armed with fresh understandings from the inner self.  Share my Devotion to the cubs; witness my power as I protect and nurture the next generation against all odds.  Integrate what we learn together to better our collective spirit.
GREAT BLUE HERON

​Patient, still and contemplative. Yet purposeful and determined, ready to seize opportunity with awesome power, speed and aggression. Hunting where land and water meet; then soaring majestically. Solitary and independent; yet thriving when rookery and community calls.
MOOSE

​Imposing, dignified and monumental – Moose symbolizes strength and willpower. Moose moves through life with pride and authority, giving others the courage to face difficult situations.  Calm and composed, slow to anger unless challenged; authoritative, supreme, even wilfully dangerous if pushed too far. A protective guardian, demonstrating the importance of fighting for those you love. Moose shows us how to be fully aware; and to have the confidence to move forward with power combined with pure grace when opportunities arise.