Chemainus photographer/artist Cim MacDonald is well-known for her remarkable work in both fields.
The Cowichan Valley Museum & Archives in Duncan will be showcasing some awe-inspiring images by MacDonald, beginning Thursday, Aug. 26 and remaining on display until Oct. 15.
Paused: Wildlife during the Pandemic features some of MacDonald’s extraordinary photos of local wildlife from regular visits to Kin Beach in Chemainus.
In the summer of 2020, scientists coined the term ‘anthropause’ to describe the effects of stilled human activity on the behaviour of wildlife during the COVID-19 pandemic lock down. Around the world, people have observed changes in wildlife behaviour and MacDonald has documented observations with her camera throughout the pandemic.
“Walking on the beach at low tide has given me an intimate glimpse of the everyday life of birds and sea life,” noted MacDonald. “My photography has improved during COVID-19. Since travel was out of the question, I spent hours on the beach, virtually alone with the birds. I became much more aware of background distractions. Sometimes it took a different angle or an awareness of the direction of the light to make an ordinary shot into something special.”
A video created by Shawn Wagar of Cedar Road Studios for Paused: Wildlife during the Pandemic has also been posted to YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kW6a9yYKTyc.
Curator Kathryn Gagnon is pleased to have arranged the display after collaborating with MacDonald.
The Cowichan Valley Museum & Archives is located on the traditional and unceded lands of the Quw’utsun Tribes.
“The Museum explores the diverse history of our region and presents stories from the many communities with which we collaborate,” explained Gagnon. “We work to create awareness of the tangible and intangible history and heritage of the Cowichan region for all who live and visit here.”
The Museum & Archives are owned and operated by the non-profit Cowichan Historical Society.
The museum is located in the heritage-designated Duncan Train Station on Canada Avenue. Summer hours are: Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is by donation.
The Archives is open by appointment only. Visit www.cowichanvalleymuseum.bc.ca to schedule an appointment. For more information, contact Gagnon at 250-746-6612 or email cvmuseum.archives@shaw.ca.
