Freshwater Testing Art Kit

The project led groups in discussing the ecologies and colonial histories of the freshwater systems and lands which the varied workshop spaces were held as an act of placemaking, calling to question what role we play in these changed and changing ecosystems. Participants were guided on freshwater testing protocols, measuring and recording pH, alkalinity, hardness, chlorine, dissolved oxygen, as well as water conductivity. In collecting this data, from a Western science-perspective, we were able to fill in knowledge gaps of the changing ecologies of Metro Vancouver’s urban riparian areas. The tested water was then used as a base for generative paper marbling art with alcohol ink, the colors reflecting the specifics of the data, visually realizing the collected records through generative art making for the project’s legacy piece.

Public workshops held at Everett Crowley Park, Trout Lake, Murdo Frazer Park, among five other sampled sites.