ECU 100 | Acclaimed Author John Vaillant on the Role of Art in Climate Change Activism

In the second of the speaker series, journalist and writer John Vaillant connected with Amory Abbott, ECU’s Interim Dean for the Audain Faculty of Art, on their personal experiences with wildfires and the role of artists in fraught times. John’s recent book, Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World, explores the catastrophic 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire, examining the collisions between human ambition and the natural world.

Pointing to a photo of vibrant tulips that grew amidst the aftermath of a burnt house in Fort McMurray, John highlighted that human impacts can spark moments of beauty and hope even through destruction.

“Think of the word revirescence. It means to revitalize, regenerate, regrow. And this is what the earth wants to do,” said John. “Flourishing is the earth’s default mode. After the fire passes over, this is what’s waiting underground. Those tender bulbs planted by human hands ended up being the most durable part of that neighbourhood. The only things that survived. Nature is modelling how to be for us artists.”

Earlier in the day, John visited Louise St. Pierre’s Ecological Practices in Design class and marvelled at the way students engaged in studying moss, thimbleberries and other plants, in contrast to the distractions of their phones and technology. Students in the Ecological Design Practice program learn how to prioritize sustainability and design through our interactions with the natural world. According to John, artists have that rare skill to move between nature, science and art, enabling them to translate new ways of seeing.

“We need those people who move between the worlds who are conversant in both, and who don’t just share it with the initiated, but bring a wider group in,” said John. “That is art at its best. But someone needs to take the time to work between these languages. It’s what I aspire to do. I’m grateful to people who take the time and have the artfulness to help me bridge those gaps and find my way into something like jazz or biochemistry.”

As ECU moves into its next century, John’s reflections highlight the regenerative properties of creativity in climactic times where artists will be vital in helping the world examine its relationship with the natural world and our planet. Like the tulips emerging from wildfires, artists, designers and creative thinkers can cultivate resilience in the face of such rapid change.

The event was organized in support of ECU 100, marking the university’s centennial anniversary.

Join us for the next ECU 100 event: space makers: possibilities for other models, a panel discussion between Patrick Cruz of Kamias Triennial, Kara Ditte Hansen, Scott Kemp, and Jordan Milner of Avenue/Duplex at the Libby Leshgold Gallery on Oct 29 from 6-8 PM.

For more information about ECU 100 centennial celebrations, upcoming events and stories, visit our webpage.