Lori Weidenhammer

April - May, 2024 and July 2024

I am an English/Irish/German settler originally from a tiny hamlet called Cactus Lake, Saskatchewan in Treaty 6 Territory in Saskatchewan the original lands of the Cree, Saulteaux, Dene, Dakota, Lakota, Nakota and the homeland of the Métis Nation.

I have been an independent artist for over 33 years. I began as a performance artist, installation and theatre artist, creating original performances and installations in Canada, Europe and the UK. My most recent work is community-based performance art, engaging people of all ages to explore environmental issues through many different media. For the past several years I have been appearing as the persona Madame Beespeaker, practising the tradition of “telling the bees”. As a food security volunteer, artist and activist I work with students of all ages on eating locally and gardening for pollinators. I use many art forms in my teaching and art practise including garden designing, improvised performance, drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, cyanotypes, sculpture, photography, textiles, singing, culinary arts and installation.

Residency Events and Projects:

Image: Lori Weidenhammer

As an artist/naturalist, I found SAR a wonderful place to make art in a comfortable, beautiful and ecologically sensitive environment. I am grateful for the lively conversations and mutual support from the group of cohorts I spent time with in the residency, as well as the quality of engagement with the hosts and the local community. My time here has had a profoundly beneficial impact on my practise and left me with a body of work that is infused with the spirit and beauty of this place.

Lori Weidenhammer, Testimonial

blue wings, puddle larking watercolor, Lori Weidenhammer

brown wings, puddle larking watercolor, Lori Weidenhammer

green wings, puddle larking watercolor, Lori Weidenhammer

Images from Lori teaching a bee workshop