Part of my job working in habitat restoration is to chronicle what we do, hands in the earth to the public, our clients, our environmental community and even our family. Communicating our science many times give us an opportunity to create art. In this case a beautiful new series created from the aerial meanderings of myself and nephew Grayson Moyer. This is a particularly beautiful series captured on Nature Conservancy land in Oregon.
May 31st 2016, Millie Otieno boarded a flight from Nairobi, traveled through Amsterdam and finally landed in Portland Oregon on June 8th. This was her first travel experience out of Africa and her first visit to the states. June 8th was the beginning of a whirlwind week preceding The Recycled Rain annual exhibition at Portland's Ford building.
Millie brought with her the artworks of Kiviwosheg School students. Over a period of several weeks each student experienced creating art with colored pencils, acrylic, water color and gouache. The subject matter of each beautiful piece was a result of the studies of water conservation, habitat, wildlife and environmental social studies around the globe. Most notably they outlined the understanding of Kibera's water management crisis and the environmental and economic challenges it creates. This was Kiviwosheg's first international project involving all enrolled students.
In the weeks preceding her visit to Oregon, Millie invited her project partners, supporters and audience to experience a greater understanding of the region of Kibera through outlining the current state of affairs in Kibera and greater Nairobi. Emphasis was placed in particular on the region's double edged sword of natural resource management. In May, torrential floods swept through the region and even brought down a building. The May floods were reported by the international media and were a real time, case in point example of the region's great need for water management, treatment and distribution.
After arriving in Portland, in the week before the exhibition Millie visited our coastal ranges, habitats and estuaries. She learned about fresh water migration, soil and native plants near our oceans. Touring through the great Columbia Gorge, she visited the political hotbed Oxbow Springs and fisheries, learning about our native and farmed salmon, water quality practices of the region and water rights transfer processes. Our meeting with Columbia Riverkeepers was a unique one of a kind opportunity. At the time of the meeting the organization was exacting a first response plan of action to the Mosier train derailment, working directly with Mosier government, the state of Oregon, EPA, media and Yakima Tribes. It was a wealth of information and experience to take back to Kiviwosheg.
Each student wrote an introductory letter about themselves, their family, their daily experience in school, neighborhood and what profession they see themselves working in after completing higher education. These letters were placed between their works of art at the exhibition.
The opening was a first gallery experience for Millie and certainly a first as a contributor. Millie created two works of art which were also on display. The experience was most fruitful. The opportunity to share the Kiviwosheg School with the Portland art community, learn about art and ecology in another country and begin planning processes for building a stronger Kiviwosheg was a once in a lifetime experience.
Some introductions to the Kiviwosheg student artists!
1. Purity Achieng Auma female 18 years waiting for scholarships to join University to pursue health related course currently the organizing secretary for art classes
2. Phanise Nyachama female 14 years class 8 final year in primary level education to join high school next year
3. Rosabella Kerubo female 12 years-old currently in class 7
4. Irene Angela female 11 years old currently in class 7
6. Austine Kivuva male 12 years old I class 7
7. Mercy Mwikali female 11 years in class 6
8. Dennis Oneida male 11 years old currently in class 6
9. Faith Muthee female 11 years old currently in class 5
10. Happiness Mwongela female 9 years old in class 5
11. Augustin Ocha male 12 years in class 5
12. Susan Mbone female 10 years old in class 5
13. Tatian Nzuha female 9 years old in class 4
14. Lucy Wambui female 10 years in class 4
15. Sharon Iminza female 10 years old in class 4
16. Esther Muthoni female 10 years old in class 3
17. Brian Osawa male 9 years old in class 3
18. Samuel Agai male 8 years old in class 2
19. Irene Wanjiru female 7 years old in class 1
20. Zena Nyagondo female 6 years old in class one
21. Barack Obama male 6 years old in class 1
22. Kasim Sudi male 5 years old in pre-unit
23. Cladise Shifu male 5 years old in nursery school
24. Gift Mulande male 4 old years old in baby class
These are our core group students. The class can and does change in enrollment from week to week. It's been a joy to review the works which are springing forth from the students for the Recycled Rain 2016 exhibition. As we spend time with each work, it's easy to focus in on the interests of each student concerning ecology and the environments but it is truly the behind the scenes stories which give rise to the spirit of each piece. I remain simply astounded at the sheer beauty of each piece, but also the fact that simply put, it is the first time most of these students have been exposed to paint brushes and much of this art medium. I find it extraordinary that the work that is made is done so in light of so many challenges, both natural disasters (the recent May flooding) and also tumultuous dangers imposed by political unrest in the area.
"Ah, but it is good to take an unexpected turn on a trail. You never know what blessings await you." Her handler walked before me, but she, the Raven seemed to lead the way. She, in her nearly perfect midnight shimmering brilliance. Yes, but it was she, the great Raven, who seemed to be directing our steps now.
To me, the Raven has traditionally been a sign of change. Usually a sign of deep and unexpected change. City crows a dime per dozen. But the great Raven, with her shrill and booming caw of fortune, commands my attention most times. Keeping pace with the rolling river along the winding path through shadows and crouching woods, I kept my eyes fixed on her graceful wings extended to keep balance. What a year of change it has already been I thought. How I wish I could glimpse the future, the path less planned she signifies I thought.