It's funny, you see, because I could have missed out on all of this. We (Namen Wilcox, Kelly Green and I) picked Big Head in half seriousness. There is a beach there called Pandora Cove, and the name just kind of struck us. It's located on the back of Grand Manan, off the beaten track, just kind of sitting there. It seemed perfect to us in it's remoteness, possibilities for geological and natural resources, and it has a bog <3. My friends and I like to practice geology and go prospecting on the weekends in hopes of finding useful and/or rare materials. Pandora Cove is close to Sloop Cove, where there was once a copper mine. We figured, based on these facts, that the geology of the back of the island would be interesting to look into, and I began digging (for names, land ownership, size, you name it) up everything I could about this land.
http://bleuballoon.deviantart.com/art/Mist-Clearing-Grand-Manan-Copy-328135391
As luck would have it, I made the most amazing connection with a couple who is just as passionate (if not more!) as I am about the environment, community, and art. The 'dream' that kept me up at night, had me spacing out for a good 1/4 of my life, that I'd given up on and started up again and again only in my own mind is actually becoming a reality. So now that I have the starting of my future masterpiece, what now? Work :D And lots of it. I've never been so thankful and happy in my entire life. Here begins a serious adventure, and where I end up, well, no one knows for sure :)
Ridenelle :
So lets get the basics down ; what exactly is this master plan of mine? Well! Let me just tell you what! I used to dream about running away from home almost constantly. My family life was fine, well, probably better than fine. I had a really great childhood with friends, family, and fun, not to mention all the support a girl could want. I was practically raised by the woods, though, and that's where I felt like I belonged. My friends and I were always building camps, playing on the beach or in the forest, camping, and arting everywhere.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0IDiVQxZYg
Living off of the land has always been my dream. My family is part native, and I've always turned to their old ways of living as an example of how I would like to live my own life. There are, of course, many things I wish to do differently.
I'd like to take an even greater step towards environmental protection by making this village, Ridenelle, a place where waste can be brought and recycled in the safest ways possible. This idea would provide a place for people to safely (and with good conscience) dispose of materials they no longer need, while also providing resourceful artists with free materials and the one thing that keeps all artists going : problems to solve. There would be a waste not want not attitude to this place, but not in a strict sense.
http://www.ecofriend.com/12-incredible-creations-that-take-recycling-to-an-extreme.html (a good site to check out!)
Ridenelle will be a place of community and life. For every road, building, or large project, there will be a festival calling for help from any person who wishes to be a part of the making of this beautiful oasis. Most of the day would be spent working on the current project, with food and beverages being provided for the helpers. The nights would bring rest, relaxation, and tons of fun. Local bands would be invited to battle it out on stage, show of their talents, and to entertain. Artists would be encouraged to set up stands with wares and game makers would be invited to tease and test the crowds.
Ongoing learning and the application of such will be a big corner stone in this community as well. Any artists who creates in the spaces made available in Ridenelle would be encouraged to share how they make use of seemingly useless junk, and turn it into brilliant one of a kind pieces of art. In the spirit of Rococo, house hold decor and furnishings will be made to once again be beautiful and ornate instead of solely functional. Each artist will strive to create and develop their own unique style. Although embellishment will be encouraged, all styles of art will be more than welcome, as fresh perspectives will be needed to keep the community thriving.
To keep things running smoothly, there will be a meeting/food hall in a general and centralized location on the land. Food will be prepared daily for those who wish to dine there and report what they've been up to, or gather information on tasks that need doing. This will not be a mandatory meeting place, but rather a place where those who love to cook can do so all day, and those who like to eat may also take part while sharing news, ideas, and hopefully some good cheer as well. Innovation and creation are the main goals here; keeping the ball rolling.
So where will all of the supplies and resources come from? Ridenelle. This perfectly self sustaining land will use natural energy resources to not only power itself, but also to put power back into the grid for other islanders to benefit from. There will be gardens cared for by those who truly love the earth, and that which comes from it, that will supply the people there with enough food to eat themselves and to share. Farming small amounts of animals will also be encouraged. With enough work, there could even be a market that sells/trades to outsiders.
http://www.deviantart.com/art/The-Vegetable-Seller-432808585
Oh yes, so we come to money. I hate it. Hate having it, hate spending it, hate the whole idea of it. I'm sure it was wonderfully useful at some point, but it just.....doesn't work for me. Those who live in Ridenelle can have it, of course, and can continue to make it if they so desire, but the end goal is to have no need for it. Everything we need will eventually be made there or imported from other environmentally friendly communities. I'd like to take this community back to the trade system, or better yet, the give system. Oh yeah, you read that correctly. GIVE. As in pass it on with no benefit (other than that nice feeling that comes with giving) to ones self. Because why not? This place will be a place of plenty, and if there's something some one needs, there should be no hesitation in filling that need. Quid pro quo, or better yet, you scratch my back and some day, should your back become itchy, I personally or some other will scratch it for you.
http://s3.amazonaws.com/rapgenius/scarface_money_power_respect.jpg
This actually grosses me out. Look at dem dead eyes.
Education will be passed along, encouraged, and freely given. With time, I hope to start a library of books of the world, and also those written by local authors. Along with the library, I'd like to see an art gallery that is a piece of art in itself that would be capable of permanently displaying local and great pieces of artwork. This will be a place of beauty, nature, and technology all working together. ~Balance~ There is only one real goal for this community, and that is quality of life, a good one at that!
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