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In ongoing autobiographical research in environmental education, I have been investigating the significance of nostalgia and personal metaphors of childhood environments, looking at how these phenomena can be worked into pedagogies for popular environmental education.
Lay out for an ebook version of my latest research in environmental education.
Abstract City – the collected visual essays of Christoph Niemann, blending quirky humor with truth about the human condition.
Check this at Steamwhistle Breweries in Toronto. My brother’s first Toronto show.
I’m participating in a group show that’s opening next week. If you’re in toronto and want to check out some new stuff by; Adrian Forrow, Kellen Hatanaka, Thomas Lappano, and Alexa Hatanaka, please drop by Steamwhistle. Event details can be found here.
The following is an excerpt from a series of reflections I have been doing around meaningful places from childhood, in an attempt to better understand the development of my own ecological ethic. I plan to transpose these stories into short films, by revisiting the places as they exist now. A work/idea in progress.
Currently, I’m enthralled by David Abram’s (environmental philosopher and author of Spell of the Sensuous) latest book Becoming Animal: An Earthly Cosmology. This book is a window into the visceral experience of our immediate environment. It transports the reader, if you allow it, into a state of mind that is able to see clearly the interconnection of the human animal (with all our technological bells and whistles) with the biosphere. Getting in touch with this kind of intimacy will be crucial for a behavioural shift in the treatment of our environment. It has been nice to step away from big picture thinking for a few moments a day, and into the closeness of a personal connection with the environment. Highly recommended.
The Universe and Forever by the ever-brilliant Wendy MacNaughton.
Beautiful cellular structure of an ornamental fig tree in our kitchen
Photographer Michael Chrisman set up a pinhole camera in the Port Lands and pointed it towards downtown Toronto, allowing the film to expose for one full year. The result is an ethereal, ghost-like rendering of the city shoreline, revealed and painted upon by the annual path of the sun streaking across the sky.
Woody Guthrie’s “New Years Rulin’s” via Brainpicker.
15. Learn people better
17. Dont get lonesome
19. Keep hope machine running
20. Dream good
26. Dance better
31. Love everybody
32. Make up your mind
33. Wake up and fight
Some heartwarming footage from our Lappano family Christmas, circa 2011. Some Christmas nostalgia in the making.
Music: The Christmas Waltz, She & Him
Video by Director Tim Kelly for the song “Possession” by my old pal Graham Van Pelt of Miracle Fortress. A stunning portrait of new beginnings.
