Deborah Freeman

I have lived in the Oceanside Community for a long time. Through my photography, I hope to help others become familiar with the flora and fauna of this most beautiful part of Vancouver Island.

When I first moved to Vancouver Island, I wanted to know the names of the plants that I was encountering so that I could relate to them on a more personal level. A friend, Diana Mongeau and I co-authored two small books "Nettles and More"...Vol 1. and 2 with the intention of sharing herbal and flower essence information of many of these plants. I then went on to do a book, “Song of the Sparrow”, sharing photography and musings of my adventures to various areas kayaking and hiking with my husband.

In 2022, I was asked to be a part of a group of like-minded local artists who were doing an installation focusing on the return of salmon and trout to Shelly Creek, an urban Parksville creek. In 2024, another eco-installation was done. This time, we will focus on wetlands and their crucial importance for wildlife and flora. These two displays were the summer shows for the McMillan Gallery in Parksville. In particular, I would like to mention Chris Smith and Jen Bate, whose support to local artists is so appreciated. It was a true honour to participate in these projects.

I share my pictures and time with various non-profit environmental groups to encourage all who reside and visit this community to appreciate this area with an open heart and participate in keeping it a healthy, viable place to live and enjoy. We all agree that it is a beautiful part of the world, but understanding the relationship between our development of the area and its effects on nature, in general, is an essential component of living together.