Aesthetic interventions as investigations into land theft, ecosystem erasure, real estate speculation, hazards, and resurgence for the Skwácháy̓s neighbourhood of central Vancouver
On the south-eastern shores of Skwácháy̓s: The Means of Production Garden
Rising from the former tidal flats, the Means of Production Garden (MOP) is on the bluff to the west of China Creek basin (in this image, seen from the beach house at 1016 East 7th Avenue) and part of China Creek Park. The slope directly above the playing field, and to the south-east and below MOP is a new field planted for pollinators. * 2021 June 18 * 1P3A0175
In contrast to the Columbus Monument that looks rapaciously west, the view from the heights of Means of Production Garden look north and east. Another poetic viewpoint, “MOP” is a more hopeful centre of The Terminal City. Initiated over a quarter of a century, originally design and guided by environmental artist, Oliver Kellhammer, the garden was originally for growing organic materials for making art.
Revisiting a forested spot in the lower central area of Means of Production Garden with this image of seminal artist and convenor for this art space, Oliver Kellhammer * 2018 May 26 * P5260098
Given the destruction of much of the biodiversity of Skwácháy̓s, over the twentieth century, MOP is an ecological and cultural oasis and laboratory for central Vancouver.
This Naturalized Area within China Creek Park is adjacent to and south-east and below the Means of Production Garden. 2021 June 17 * 1P3A0127This furbished playing field, seen from the Means of Production Garden, was tidal flats a century ago and was adjacent to the beach house at 1016 East 7th Avenue. * 2021 June 17 * 1P3A0128There are several cherry trees planted in the Means of Production Garden * 2021 June 17 * 1P3A0134Hops with a woven willow arch at Means of Production Garden * 2021 June 17 * 1P3A0136A small work left on the shed of the Means of Production Garden * 2021 June 17 * 1P3A0133Poppy with a bee buzz pollinating at Means of Production Garden * 2021 June 17 * 1P3A0154
