Central Bonavista Bay on the island of Newfoundland is an archipelago, as much rock and land as water. By the late 1700’s many of its tiny islands had been settled, especially those outliers, way out to sea, but crucially close to the fishing grounds. At that time there were only rowboats. By 1836 these lived-on islands boasted 1800 inhabitants.  

Artist’s Statement. I had an idea to make four short films, 3 minutes apiece, that each tell a small story about small places now long gone.  My father’s family arrived at Gooseberry Island, first recorded there 200 years ago. These outer islands were closest to the fish. The adventuring islands. The industrious islands. The Bonavista Bay methodists, straight livers. Go to school. Learn. Work hard.

But mostly I was just totally fascinated by the islands themselves, by the sheer number, by their positions in the middle of the sea. By the maps and by the feeling that ghosts were sailing there still. In the bays and tickles and channels and arms.

MEADOW THE SIRENS

SPIDERS SCHOOL