Shari Brown's Da'at heART Wood ~ Driftwood Sculpture Exhibition at Blue Whale Gallery
Exhibition runs from February 13th - 28th, 2014.
Gallery open Friday through Monday, noon to 4pm

Shari Brown brings her full attention to the collection and construction of her driftwood sculptures. As she walks on beaches near her home in Victoria, she connects deeply with certain pieces of driftwood. “I feel the history and density of the wood,” she says. When she assembles her artworks, she often finds her chosen pieces are just the ones she needs.

Her sculpture “Breathe” on Gonzales Beach has delighted beach-walkers and garnered hand-written notes of appreciation.“These sculptures are my gift to the world,” says Shari, “my way of sharing with others and adding positive heart energy to the planet.” Shari believes we are evolving as a species, co-creating with the earth an era of peaceful coexistence. She supports the Global Coherence Initiative which furthers these ideals.
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Shari Brown assembles sculpture at Blue Whale Gallery.
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Shari Brown’s sculpture “Breathe” on Gonzales Beach
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Peter Tongue is a former school principal, who taught chemistry and physical education at St Michael’s University School for 13 years. His teaching career provided him with a deep understanding of the human condition. Tongue’s radio show, Awakening to Conscious Co-creation, has a worldwide audience that envisions a new era for humanity.

The artist attends meditation sessions hosted by Tongue in his studio. “When Shari arrived in Victoria two years ago,” he says, “she was ready to go on a journey of the heart.” By opening up her own heart, Shari accessed her unique creative gifts, evident in these three-dimensional forms.

 PictureShari Brown with Sheva Carr.


Da’at is a sacred  Hebrew word with dual meanings: consciousness and knowledge.

To become calm and coherent while working, Shari uses skills learned from heart-based instruction programs. 



Her facilitators, Sheva Carr and Robert Browning, joined guests at the opening. They presented a workshop on Feb 15 about HeartMath and Heart-based creativity. “I am deeply grateful to Sheva and Robert for giving me the tools to access my heart’s intelligence," says Shari. "My artistic journey and this exhibition are the fortunate outcomes.”   
  www.heartmastery.com
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The opening at Blue Whale Gallery on Feb 13 was well-attended. Interviews with some of the guests follow.
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Nicholas Fodor created the sound environment for the opening. The rhythmic sounds of swishing water, dolphin calls and heart beats filled the space. Fodor knows the artist from the 5Rhythms community, and praises her authentic and courageous persona, both on the dance floor and off. 



“Shari is not afraid to be herself,” he says, “and this comes through in her artwork, which is original and expressive, yet sublimely simple.”
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Daniel McDougall is Chaplain to international students at the University of Victoria. He is a collector of David Hunwick’s sculptures. 

“Shari’s driftwood creations remind me of Andy Goldsworthy’s work,” he says. (Goldsworthy rearranges found objects into interesting shapes and textures in natural settings.) Her sculptures ask to be outside, he notes, as part of the environment. McDougall collects driftwood himself to make tea-light holders. “Finding of the perfect piece of wood is always exciting,” he says.  

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Arunima McNeish is a performance artist who helps manage the Blue Whale Gallery. She stands with an artwork made from wood collected by sculptor Ted Speirs. Speirs passed away two years ago, and is much missed by friends and colleagues from the Vancouver Island Sculptors Guild. “I like the unique qualities of each piece of driftwood,” says McNeish. Shari has arranged these hefty pieces into a delicate heart shape, creating a message and memory of love. 
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Darren Miller noticed Shari’s intriguing artworks while out jogging. “I’m impressed by the way she assembles many small pieces into a cohesive whole,” he says. “It shows her strong connection to the material.” Miller compares the process of building driftwood sculptures to musical composition. Both bring together random elements to create harmony of form. 
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Darren Miller is a musician finishing his PHD in composition at the University of Victoria. His thesis composition, a three-year project, includes two pianos, two flutes, a celeste, plus percussive and electronic elements.
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Bridgitte Alomes’ company, Natural Pod, designs inviting learning environments for children to enhance their creativity. Natural Pod is a finalist in BC’s Best Green Business Awards.

“I like the glow and warmth of the lights woven into this heart shape,” she says. Alomes notes that every piece of driftwood holds a unique story. They have traveled far, taken by ocean currents and prevailing winds to a faraway beach. To complete their life cycle as a heart suits the material. http://naturalpod.com


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The Blue Whale Gallery is located in the same building as The Sculpture Studio, operated by David Hunwick. Exhibition runs from February 13th - 28th. Open Friday through Monday, noon to 4pm.

     The Blue Whale Gallery   211 Harbour Rd, Victoria, British Columbia V9A 3S2
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Web Design, Content and Photos: 
Kate Cino previewed arts events 
for 18 years at Boulevard magazine. 

She has a History in Art degree and 
Public Relations certificate from the University of Victoria. 
For ten years, Kate operated an art & framing shop.

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