Along the Souris: an Exhibition

The Souris River Bend Wildlife Management Area is a magical place that I want to share through an exhibition of photos at the Section 6 Brewery in Brandon, MB. Come for the opening on Saturday April 13th at 7pm or for general viewing from April to June.

I spend a lot of time in the early morning and at night in the wild areas along the Souris River. There are thousands of acres of river valley to explore consisting of open native grasslands, oak and aspen forest, and the river meandering through it all. I am drawn to the quiet of early morning mists, the sound of the rapids, the call of birds and wildlife, the stars and aurora as they gently light up the nightscape.

It has been a place of healing for me. I had been to the area before a back injury left me in extreme pain, unable to work, and slowly recovering from two surgeries. Since then it has become a place to find myself and come to peace with a very changed life. Although only a forty minute drive from Brandon, it took two years after my first surgery before I could drive that far. When I got there all I could do was get out of my vehicle and walk a few feet to look over the river. Walking down to the river was out of the question. My body was limited, but my soul was free in this natural place; hearing the water run through rapids, watching birds overhead, and feeling the wind and sun after several years of surviving pain while lying in bed or a recliner.

As I slowly healed, this became a place where the peace that I found within myself resonated with the peace of the natural world. Gradually I have been able to explore farther along the river, to find new sights, stand in amazing light, and capture a part of what I see and feel with my camera.

Hopefully these photos provide a reminder of that place within each of us that connects to the natural world. A place that reminds us to be vigilant in its protection.