Hearing Voices - Nuit Blanche 2016 Naisa & W.A. Co-Production

Using quotes from memory, one of my own compositions, and instruments I had on hand, I explored the assigned theme of "Navigating Wellness" in terms of my own journey, especially the part centred around my time at CAMH.

BUG IN A BOX 2 by Kerry Westell

BUG IN A BOX 1 by Kerry Westell

RUMINATION works with content and sensory distortion through repetition to reveal an aesthetic resolution. The sample is an audio glitch of Toronto's very own Honest Ed.

RUMINATION by Jan Swinburne

As an artist primarily working in visual media, some big surprises unfolded while exploring audio in this project. While my documentary work is dedicated to very heavy topics, with this project I was able to access another part of my voice. Seems the playful, sarcastic side of me wanted out.

HELLO by James Buffin

EXTRO by James Buffin

The Ontario Lunatic Asylum, built on these grounds in 1850, was situated between two streams: Asylum Stream, to the the Southwest, and, to the Northeast, Stafford Stream. These watercourses, like Garrison Creek (to which they were tributaries), were submerged beneath the settler colonies which would become Toronto.

I find it significant that in this place, the waters, which in many cultures are associated with healing, have been disappeared. Asylum Stream and Garrison Creek exist now as sewers. I restore them with whispers of charcoal pencils and paper, steps toward healing.

With grateful acknowledgments: Miriam Kingvisser performed "The Brook" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson; Lost Rivers Toronto; Bomgiizhik (Isaac Murdoch), for his teachings about the relationship between healing people and healing the waters and lands.


Draw Me A River by Lisa Walter

WORKMAN ARTS AUDIO STREAM