It was through Facebook that I came across a video that compiled bits of footage captured by security cameras around the world. My initial thought was I would see various scenes of criminal activity. The video however showed something totally different.

A man stealing a kiss from his girlfriend, a man picking up a wallet on the sidewalk and hurriedly handing it to the woman who seemed unaware she dropped it, people showing random acts of kindness, friends & families hugging in public, a man dancing on the street infront of street musicians – these were some of the footage shown. At the end of the short video was the message, “let’s look at the world a little bit differently.”

The video struck a chord in me, as it reminded me of a decision I made four years ago. When I started ZOOM, I decided that I will keep its pages devoted to showcasing only what’s good and beautiful about the Sunshine Coast and its people. I wanted ZOOM to be a magazine that will bring smiles to people, and will remind them that amidst all the natural calamities, economic disasters and proliferation of hate and violence, life is still beautiful.

In these pages, you will not find articles on problematic issues, sad stories, political views, controveries and other troubling concerns. I believe that being aware of these things is important but other local media outlets are already covering them. When I turn my computer on every morning, my bookmarked news website already gives me late-breaking news about ongoing wars, political scandals and criminal activities.

I feel that sometimes, we need to be reminded that deep within our hearts, as well as just outside our doors – beauty thrives, love grows and kindness lives. - Edmund Arceo

Our back cover for Spring 2013 features “Blue Streak”
Photography by Mark Benson | www.suncoastphotography.ca

The twentieth anniversary of any arts organization in our day and age is cause to celebrate, and this May the Coast Symphony Orchestra (CSO) plans to celebrate in style with the homecoming of Mark Andrews and Beth Currie-Buono as soloists with the orchestra in a gala matinee concert followed by a reception.

The impetus for an orchestra came from Michelle Bruce, whose students were keen to play in an ensemble. In the fall of 1992, seven string students of wide-ranging ages and abilities began to rehearse on Saturday mornings under the baton of Tom Kershaw — “As long as you can hold it and play it, you can come” were the criteria for joining.

Gradually the orchestra grew in size and scope and added winds and percussion. New ensembles were formed to expand the playing opportunities, and the Sunshine Coast Community Orchestra Association (SCCOA) was formed. It has had its ups and downs, but the SCCOA is thriving and now includes 41 full-time members in the Coast Symphony Orchestra, 27 in the Suncoast Concert Band, and eight in the Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra.

“Conductors are the key factor to keep everything fun and exciting,” Bruce says. “But without the commitment of players and volunteers, this couldn’t be done,” she emphasizes. She tells about the optimism behind fundraising efforts to buy 20 music stands in the early days — and the realization of the dream to have enough players to need them all.

The gala concert will take place on May 26 at 2 p.m. at Raven’s Cry Theatre. The other ensembles and their conductors will be there at the gala celebrations, and they themselves have upcoming performances — the Suncoast Concert Band on April 27 at 7 p.m. at the Sechelt Indian Band Hall, and the Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra on May 4 at 7 p.m. at St. Hilda’s Church in Sechelt.

Jennifer refers to this work as “Botanical musings through explorations of surface design on fabric.” The inspiration for Cuttings comes from the botanical world, both the wild, untamed world of the BC forest and the cultivated yet equally fantastic realm of her neighbours’ exotic garden.

Jennifer’s medium is fabric, which she dyes in complex and rich colours, prints with a myriad of different techniques, then cuts, layers, sometimes stitches, sometimes cuts away, and stitches again. Printed designs include imagery developed from the artist’s photographs and sketches, textural patterns from slate, stone, and botanical specimens, and geometric or random patterns from found objects.

Jennifer and her partner, David Pritchard, own and operate Fisherman’s Resort and Marina in Garden Bay, Pender Harbour. During the off-season months, Jennifer creates her textile art in her new studio, Foxglove Studio Two. She also volunteers as the BC representative of the Surface Design Association, coordinating meetings and exhibitions. Her work is featured at FibreWorks Gallery (www.fibreworksgallery.com) and Crafthouse Gallery on Granville Island.

CUTTINGS: Textile Paintings by Jennifer Love, will open at FibreWorks Gallery in Pender Harbour on Saturday, March 30, with an opening reception from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on that day.

The Pender Harbour Blues Society is very excited to be presenting the 10th Annual Blues Festival (June 7—9). Slated to be a reunion celebration, this year’s event will see the return of some of the fabulous musicians who have graced past festivals. Performances by legendary bluesman Jim Byrnes, 2013 Maple Blues Award winners Steve Kozak and David Vest, Vancouver’s best party band, Brickhouse, John Lee Sanders, Willie MacCalder, Tim Hearsey, and many more fine musicians. This festival will be a memorable celebration you will not want to miss.

Life is a journey, both internal and external. As a child, I was fascinated with nature and was constantly exploring unknown neighbourhoods, forests, and river ways. Then as a teen unable to make sense of life’s tumults I immersed myself in the visual arts through painting and drawing. At the age of 18, I was unexpectedly struck with a deep desire to know my inner self. I left home and eventually became a yogic monk and spent seven blissful years focusing on the universe within. After leaving monastic life, I felt a vacuum inside and searched for a way to share my inner quest externally.

And then…

I moved to the Sunshine Coast and fell in love with BC’s raw beauty. Armed with a simple DSLR camera, I began to capture and share images with friends and family back home. I was hooked and began a deep study of the photographic art.

For me, photography is more than just taking pictures; it’s a spiritual practice. Photography teaches me to be present in the moment, to notice the subtle play of light and colour, to unveil the earth’s mysteries that are shrouded in time’s restless movement, revealing the Divine through composition, exposure, and depth of field.

My hope is that through my images you will experience the joy and beauty that surrounds us in forests, mountains, and beaches of BC’s West Coast. This magical land truly inspires creativity and inner reflection. — Mark Benson

MARK’S PHOTOGRAPHY CAN BE VIEWED IN GALLERIES AND GIFT STORES ON THE SUNSHINE COAST. HE OFFERS GICLEE CANVAS AND ARCHIVAL PRINTING FROM HIS STUDIO USING AN EPSON 7890 LARGE- FORMAT FINE-ART PRINTER. HE ALSO ENJOYS TEACHING OTHERS AND OFFERS PRIVATE AND GROUP PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES BOTH ON LOCATION AND IN THE STUDIO, WITH COLOUR CORRECTION AND FINE-ART PRINTING. HIS VARIED SUBJECTS INCLUDE REAL ESTATE AND ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY ON THE SUNSHINE COAST AND IN VANCOUVER. MARK HAS STARTED TO EXPLORE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY AND IS CURRENTLY BOOKING WEDDING PROJECTS FOR SUMMER 2013. TO SEE MORE OF HIS WORK, VISIT WWW.SUNCOASTPHOTOGRAPHY.CA.

It is no secret that the Sunshine Coast has some of the best vacation and adventure destinations in British Columbia. It came as no surprise, therefore, when the Sunshine Coast’s Rockwater Resort was named as one of the world’s top twelve Dream Destinations by the Teldon Media Group, and the only one from North America, joining world-famous destinations in Malaysia, Dubai, Barbados, Russia, France, and Spain, among others.

“We are pleased to have brought our region the recognition it richly deserves. To be placed in such illustrious company is also a testament to the amazing staff and excellent service we have at Rockwater,” says Dikran Zabunyan, the resort’s General Manager.
Nestled in a private cove, the resort is surrounded by the exquisite beauty of an arbutus-laden forest with a breathtaking panorama of the Pacific Ocean and outlying islands. The physical beauty of its location is matched only by the facilities and services being offered — from the unique West Coast dining experience and luxurious spa treatments to the private tenthouse suites overlooking Malaspina Strait.

Rockwater has also become a favourite spot for weddings and special events. Weddings at Rockwater are made most memorable with an outstanding West Coast cuisine and the staff’s hospitality amidst the backdrop of sweeping ocean views and the romantic setting sun. www.rockwatersecretcoveresort.com

Catching the Langdale ferry had never been very entertaining until I recently stumbled across a wonderfully talented group of young fiddlers. As was usual at any other sailing, people went about their business of grabbing a coffee and a bite, reading the paper, or catching up on work, except shortly after departure, I noticed an incredible sound coming from the front of the ship. What I found was pure magic: more than 20 young fiddlers between the ages of 5 and 18, all performing beautifully composed music with each other. Their music was uplifting and warm, and each individual incredibly talented.

Perhaps it was the innocence that drew me and the 50 or so people who gathered around to watch and listen. Their innocence was in their love for playing music for themselves and each other, unconcerned with who was listening and what effect they were having on the morning commuter. I found out they were on their way to perform as a group called Bad To The Bow at the PNE. And I also learned that one amazing woman by the name of Chelsea Sleep is responsible for teaching all the fiddlers and bringing them all together musically. It was clear to the observers and audience that the teacher as well as the students had worked very hard to make it look so easy. Needless to say, it brightened up my day and without a doubt the day of many others that morning on another regular ferry commute. Know more about Bad to The Bow by visiting their website at www.badtothebow.com.

JAMES LOOKER IS A PROFESSIONAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER WHO DIVIDES HIS TIME BETWEEN SURF COAST VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA AND THE SUNSHINE COAST OF BC. WWW.JAMESLOOKER.COM

After 17 years, the Gibsons Landing Jazz Festival (June 14—16) is moving its Saturday main stage to Gower Point Road in the Seaside Village. The businesses in the Landing are thrilled and will celebrate with special Jazz Supporter surprises and street specials. There will be a special stage for kids with the Legion of Flying Monkeys and lots of street performers. The legendary Hugh Fraser Quintet will fill the souls of jazz fans, and Tambura Rasa will add to the flare and colour of Global music, complete with a Flamenco dancer. Visit www.coastjazz.com for the full line-up of live entertainment.

FibreWorks Studio & Gallery had the privilege of presenting eight classes of pine needle basket weaving by Hattie Olsen. Hattie’s storytelling teaching style provided the students with a relaxed learning environment as they created their individual containers. Her stories of making her first basket — gathering pine needles in the Lillooet area, the support of her husband, Richard, in cleaning, sorting, and storing of needles — were woven into her instructions and tips in creating the baskets. Hattie always brought her “first” basket to the classes, sharing with her students the humble beginnings of creativity and encouraging them to explore the process, infusing their own style. Hattie had a love of the outdoors that was reflected in her work. We are very fortunate to have worked with Hattie and listened to her stories. Her baskets remind us of her joy in creating them. Hattie passed away on December 20, 2012, but her legacy of pine needle basket weaving lives on. Many of her creations having found their way into many Sunshine Coast homes, and her students are carrying on her love for this art form.