Response to Dream Worlds and Malls (1)

Sam's response to the last posting.

Granville Island, particularly the market and the concept of mixing people and cars (without sidewalks) and encouraging local-regional creativity and production has been celebrated and acknowledged around the world. The planners-designers-architects Hotson-Bakker have been rightfully acknowledged globally. We should also thank urban planner Walter Harwick and Senator Austin for their vision and commitment to the creative development and mandate of Granville Island. Read about the history of Granville Island community:
http://www.discovervancouver.com/GVB/granville-island.asp

During the Island's earliest days of planning the mandate was to encourage artists, designers and craftspeople to create studios that would share the processes of making with the public. (ie glass-blowing, metal welding, furniture making, paper making, etc)

Granville Island was to be a showcase for BC and Canadian applied arts, theatre, food, cusine and good food, along with industrial operations-manufacturers and other services that would provide products, entertainment, education and employment centred on regional culture, tourism and economics. Many organizations have prospered and have continued over the past decades since Granville Island opened. ECI arrived in the early 1980s.

I wonder how digital culture, electronic word, new media an all of the current elements associated with "smart, virtual computer technology can assist, encourage and contribute growing of vegetables and food products in the BC region? Hence, sustainable agricultural and "green" environments. How we can we develop a culture that celebrates and honours the makers, packers and distributors of cheese, wonderful conserves, and other "food, glorious food." We have John Bishop here in Vancouver who has travelled the world and has returned to BC with ideas and actions to encourage the use of land and the Slow Food Movement. How can technology encourage a culture to appreciate a wonderful soup or perfect sandwich served with love and, even better, on a plate or bowl produced locally?

Now most of what we eat and the ceramics we eat from come from outside of our region. What was once one of largest providers of industrial, hotel and ceramics for ordinary people (Medalta-Medicine Hat) was shut down in the sixties and more recently opened as a museum.

In addition, there are the other craft and design products in BC such as wood furniture, weaving, textile, ceramic, glass and metal works. We truly need to acknowledge, celebrate and brand BC as a place that makes as well as consumes.

I am hoping that the Province of BC and Government of Canada will continue to encourage and recognize BC and Canadian Achievement in the Applied Art here on Granville Island.

So many of the grads of Emily Carr and the culture and economy would further prosper from the continuation of a policy that continues the celebration of Canadian and BC applied arts instead of recent scenarios that may threaten existing studios, shops and community on Granville Island today.

How can the smart technology of today help the farmers in the Fraser Valley, Richmond and Vancouver Island connect with markets and creative methods of packaging, delivery and presentation to consumers? How can smart technology-electronic communication help show the process of design and production sharing the joy of creativity and educating the public at the same time? How can we continue the beauty of fresh, colour and tasty produce placed with pride and love in the markets of BC, just like those in Europe and other parts of the world where going to the market is an beautiful and aesthetic experience.

Help me with my depression induced by the successes of so many of the "Big Box" retailers and the "Zombies" that these inhuman environments produce. Long live what we must call the "spirit" of Hudson Bay and things Canadian. Maybe you and your positive-creative ideas would be well received by Granville Island’s relatively new regime. Have fun, think critically, but act positively!