In a world where capitalism forces us to do almost everything for profit — turning our passions, our stories, ourselves, into a commodity in order to survive, art as resistance and reclamation is powerful. Although there are still many that are skeptical when it comes to art having an important role in social justice work, many do see it as significant in activism. Many also think of it as being a healing part of reclaiming one’s own cultural and ancestral ways. But what exactly does this mean?
Feral Witch of the Woods
As you emerge into the day, you still feel the moon as they watch you from above the trees. The radiance of the sun can not tear you two apart. Gathering the plants needed for this afternoon’s potion making, you feel the restless power alive throughout the forest, echoing within you.
I look back on my middle-school self with a mixture of derisive amusement and pity. The kid who was so out of the loop, he didn’t even try to fit in, the kid who thought playing Minecraft at lunch and breaking the school beep test record twice in two days would do anything but alienate me from the general population. I had friends, but I couldn’t really be myself around them. The primal human instinct to gravitate towards other people was completely lost on me.
In the 1960s, Dr. Klaus created the infamous 1460 Doc Martens with air-cushioned soles. He showcased the prototype to a friend from university, and production began shortly after using surplus military supplies. Once released to the public, the clunky boot was adopted by older women who had a knack for sensible footwear. Doc Martens gained popularity in the 70s among members of counterculture circles, activists, punks and the queer community. A big factor in their adoption by those on the margins of society was their price tag, accessibility and availability in secondhand shops.
Many people have heard or seen the depictions of witches in the media or heard stories of witches as a child but, what does it mean to be a modern witch? Most cultures have roots in witchcraft and spirituality, as many different forms of Witchcraft have been practiced since the beginning of recorded history. Witchcraft was, unfortunately, demonized and given a bad rep leading many of those who practiced it to hide their beliefs. Today, modern-day witchcraft is resurfacing, as many witches feel safer to openly practice their beliefs. Victoria-based Creative, Tarot Reader, and witch, Dakota Tollefson, sat down with us and took us on a journey of what her practice means to her.
Tea, tisanes, and yerba mate Cam Loeschmann // Columnist If anyone knows me, they know that I am a fan of tea. “True” tea has its humble beginnings as a…
Denim often seems innocuous in our daily lives, but the fashion staple holds more than just a pair of keys—they can carry social, personal, and even political significance as well…
Learn to build a sustainable trail and help replant the wetlands on the beautiful North Shore campus. Students, faculty and members of the Capilano University community are invited to come…
Traversing a Cultural Journey Through Comedy Sheila Arellano, Arts & Culture Editor On Feb. 23, Canada’s award-winning comedian Ed Hill was in Vancouver recording his third live album Son of Smiley at…