Freshwater Monitoring Art Kit

Thank you to Ocean Wise and Canada Service Corps for the project funding.

Throughout January 2024, the Initiative led groups of participants on freshwater testing protocols in and around the lakes and streams of Metro Vancouver, measuring and recording pH, alkalinity, hardness, chlorine, dissolved oxygen, as well as water conductivity. In collecting this data, from a Western science-perspective, we were able to fill in knowledge gaps of the changing ecologies of Metro Vancouver’s urban riparian areas while offering low-barrier access to experiences with water sampling.

Photo by S. F.

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The tested water was used as a base for generative paper marbling with alcohol ink, the colors reflecting the specifics of the data. Visually realizing the collected records through generative artmaking for the project’s legacy piece, the artwork served as a visual recollection of the stories and creative collaboration with the bodies of water.
 
Public workshops held at Everett Crowley Park, Trout Lake, Murdo Frazer Park, among five other sampled sites.

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