BC Parks Foundation

Art Born From a Heatwave

Mussel Formations is an ongoing series by ceramic artist Clare Wilkening in response to the 2021 heatwave that devastated BC’s coastal shores. After the event’s impact, Clare gathered hundreds of empty mussel shells from the beaches of the Sunshine Coast and created sprig molds to cast in clay. Clare arranges these ceramic shells into intricate formations, turning the remnants of loss into a celebration of nature’s resilience and an invitation to cultivate deeper care and connection with the places we inhabit. 

At BC Parks Foundation, we believe art has a unique way of deepening our connection to nature. Creating and experiencing art is a mindful practice, as is observing the natural world around us. Over time, these moments of mindfulness, whether spent in nature or with art inspired by it, can compel us to protect what we love. Clare's work highlights the importance of safeguarding BC’s coastal ecosystems, which continue to inspire creative expressions like hers. We encourage you to explore art that resonates with your love for the natural world and inspires you to deepen that connection!

“I choose to work primarily in ceramics because of the material’s direct connection to the ground, which has inherent power and meaning.  I uncover that by choosing a material that can be a bridge between the topic of my work, the object that is the work, and the substrate of our existence.  We are all subjects of the ground, and the ground is subjected to all of us.” - Clare Wilkening.  

If Clare’s reflections on ecology and her ceramic art resonate with you, there’s more to explore. See more of her work and connect with the art of regeneration and reciprocity.

Discover More of Clare’s Work