5movment

People are linked deeply to the ocean. One overnight visit on a calm evening I experienced people taking their boat out for a ride. There was the practicality of going out for food together with the need to feel the freedom of the open ocean expressed in one action. The short fishing trip served much the same as an urban promenade. Dropping the line, slowly trawling, hoping for something, though everyone knew it was still early for the spring salmon to be running, and it will only be good luck that will bring a catch.The pace is meditative, the water is dark and deep, the tide draws the boat along, the dimming sky and ever- changing clouds are a sharp contrast to the stillness of the land.

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The ocean at the mouth of the Skeena is muddy olive green darkened by the cloud cover above. Gradually, I become aware of patches of a lighter green in the ocean below, looking like the side of a camouflaged fish. It looks like underwater sand dunes close to the top of the water until I realize, as we fly into the sun, that I am seeing holes in the clouds blending with the ocean.

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George McCutcheon works in Vancouver with David Nairne Architects.

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ON SITE review 5

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