My Story
An Artist’s Journey
Before moving to a 20-acre property in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley, my life and art were shaped by the vibrant intensity of urban Vancouver. As a mixed-media artist, I thrived on the city's dynamic energy, but personal health challenges inspired me to seek a deeper, more meaningful connection with the natural world.
With little experience but abundant curiosity, I embarked on a transformative journey, allowing nature to become my guide. My art shifted organically from urban expressions to pieces deeply spiritual and rooted in the earth itself. Floral design, botanical art, and natural dyeing became central to my creative practice, each work embodying the rhythms, resilience, and quiet wisdom of the land.
I named the farm "Sage and Solace" to honor both the profound healing wisdom nature gifted me and the comforting serenity the land generously offers to all who visit. As Sage and Solace blossomed, I felt compelled not to hoard its beauty for myself, but rather to open its gates and invite others to experience this paradise. This act of sharing blossomed into a thriving community of artists, seekers, and creatives. Through workshops, retreats, and shared artistic experiences, visitors now find their own creative voices, drawing inspiration and peace directly from the landscape.
Today, Sage and Solace continues as a sanctuary—an inviting space where creativity flourishes, connections deepen, and the shared experience of art and nature fosters healing and discovery. Here, the land not only inspires art but nourishes the soul, transforming all who enter.
Barbara Pearson: Artist CV
As a professional artist, my practice has always been rooted in exploring creativity, nature, and personal transformation. Purchasing Sage and Solace, a 20-acre farm, in 2017, allowed me to merge my artistic journey with the land, creating a space where I could connect with nature and invite others to do the same.
I began inviting the community to the farm to experience the healing power of nature and tap into their creativity. Through workshops and collaborative projects, participants rediscovered their creative voices, finding that these experiences offered an antidote to stress and anxiety, fostering connection and mindfulness in an increasingly disconnected world.
A key moment in this journey was creating a series of art retreats and workshops, where participants were encouraged to connect with the land through their art-making process. These events allowed individuals to not only create but heal, often finding renewed purpose in their artistic and personal lives.
I would like to reach a further audience by writing a book about these lessons, sharing how others can create similar spaces of creativity and healing in their communities. I believe this model can inspire people to take an active role in their well-being and creativity through art and nature.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Arts and cultural training and learning
Emily Carr University Continuing Education Courses (2013-2014)
Federation of Canadian Artists, numerous workshops (2008-2016)
Artistic and cultural work presented to the public
Solo Exhibitions
The Cultch Gallery, Vancouver, B.C. (Mar-Apr 2017)
Place Des Arts, Coquitlam, B.C. (Sept 2017)
Pendulum Gallery, Vancouver, B.C. (Oct 2017)
Arts Council, North Vancouver, B.C. (Nov 2017)
Group Exhibitions
The Reach Art Gallery, Abbotsford, B.C. (2019)
Langley Fine Arts Society Exhibit, City Hall, Langley, B.C. (2019)
Seymour Art Gallery, “Balance”, Deep Cove, B.C. (2017)
North Van Arts Council Rental Program, North Vancouver, B.C. (2016 -2025)
FCA Gallery, “Icon” Show, Vancouver, B.C. (2016)
FCA Gallery, “Scenes from Western Canada”, Vancouver, B.C. (2016)
Moat Gallery, “Piece of Mind”, Vancouver, B.C. (2016)
The Art Institute, Vancouver, B.C. (2016)
Federation Gallery, “Limitless”, Vancouver, B.C. (2016)
Seymour Art Gallery, “Line” Deep Cove, B.C. (2015)
Britannia Mine Museum, “No Future Without a Past” (2015)
Imago Mundi Project, “Oh West Canada”, Italy (2015)
The Art Institute, Vancouver, B.C. (2015)
Seymour Art Gallery, Deep Cove, B.C. (2015)
Lumiere Art Show, Listel Hotel, Vancouver, B.C. (2014)
Emily Carr University Gallery, “Mixx”, Vancouver, B.C. (2014)
North Vancouver Arts Council Rental Program (2014)
Kariton Gallery, Abbotsford, B.C. (2014)
The Reach, Immigrants, Abbotsford, B.C. (2008)
Teaching and mentorships
Emily Carr University Mixed Media Teaching Assistant (2014-2016)
City of Vancouver: Mixed Media Courses (2014-2015)
B.C. Centre for Disease Control; Creativity Workshop (2014)
Volunteer experience
Parker Art Salon Executive Committee (2015)
Olympics (2010)
Artist talks, presentations and articles
Piece of Mind Art Exhibit, VPL, speaker (2016)
Media Coverage
Pursuit 365 Podcast Guest (July 2022)
Get Born magazine (Summer 2009)
FibreandStich.com Issue 7 “Sister Angels” (2008)
Awards and community recognition
Woman of Worth Award, Vancouver, B.C. (2023)
Memberships
Carfac (2015-2020)
Federation of Canadian Artists (2015-2021)
