As someone who has always cherished the wisdom and serenity of my grandmothers, I find immense solace in the company of seniors. Their peaceful ways and the life lessons they’ve gathered over the years are truly inspiring. Recently, I had the privilege of spending a day with Richmond’s senior community, guiding them through the creative exploration of Lumen Printing, a camera-less photographic method.
After our group introductions, we immediately embarked on a nature walk and ecology session. It was an honour to have Perry Poon lead our expedition, sharing his extensive knowledge of hummingbirds with the group. The opportunity to view preserved bird specimens up close allowed us to appreciate the intricate details and delicate scale of these fascinating creatures.
Following our nature session, we transitioned into the Lumen Printmaking process. The group’s enthusiasm to see their prints develop added a vibrant energy to the day. Engaging in creative play is a powerful way to learn, and I love witnessing this pure and curious energy! I also love how each participant creates a completely unique expression, despite using the same subject matter and methods, which serves as a beautiful reminder of our individual creativity and uniqueness. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the process and were thrilled with their prints!
As in previous workshops, I meticulously scan each print to archive the originals for both the participants and for inclusion in the legacy artwork, as Lumen prints fade over time with light exposure. This part of the workshop is typically slower, but the group’s patience and contentment created a serene atmosphere that deeply affected me. Usually I find myself rushing during this part of the day, yet I noticed how everyone was enjoying their conversations and being outdoors, which made the waiting time a delightful experience.
When the workshop concluded, I accompanied the group to the bus and shared heartfelt hugs with everyone as they boarded. It felt like bidding farewell to dear friends, with the hope of seeing them again. This afternoon was incredibly special, and it was an absolute honour to work with such an extraordinary group of individuals. My heart soars for days after every workshop, but this one truly underscored how much I love being around senior citizens. On my drive back to the studio, I called both of my grandmothers to share the magic of the day!
A big thank you to Victoria Griffith, a talented local artist, for assisting me during this session. Her support was invaluable and greatly appreciated. I also extend my gratitude to all the staff at the Richmond Nature Park for their invaluable contributions to this program, the Nature Park Society, and the City of Richmond.
