This season marks the re-definition of our dream, a transformation of our collaborative practice and an honoring of our creative callings.
It’s funny how we humans can set goals and get so blinded by the pursuit of achieving them that we lose sight of the essence of why we were taking steps towards them in the first place.
This season is dedicated to side stepping that common progress trap.
Light & Soul is ending its journey as a clothing company
but is beginning its journey as an arts collaborative.
During our adventure as a clothing company we were blessed to have had the opportunity to work with many talented and creative individuals, be involved within the lush and co-creative community vibe that is unfolding within Calgary, and be lucky enough to develop an arsenal of skills along the way. As we came to the end of our 4th year of playing the clothing game it was time to lock down a sustainable foundation for the company and step it up to play with the pros in the fashion industry. And after sitting down and doing some serious research and discovery as to the realities of creating a sustainable clothing company, we had to be brutally honest with ourselves and each other; we didn’t want to play a part in perpetuating the fashion industry.
It’s funny how hard it can be to discern what one is truly feeling and needing from what one “thinks” she/he should be feeling and needing.
All our support goes out to our friends within the industry or at the grassroots level following their passion and changing the game.
Howard Thurman once said: “Don’t ask what he world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
The lifestyle involved in the fashion industry, in perpetuating a mass-produced consumerist culture, was not an area we wanted to place our creative energy, it wasn’t making us come alive anymore.
So it was back to the drawing board, back to asking ourselves those important questions.
How do we wish to be living our day to day lives?
Where do we want to go?
How can we get there?
How can each of us play our individual piece in putting together this puzzle of living a dream?
And most importantly, how can this journey be as enjoyable as possible?
As we dove into these questions and got real with each other, common values and goals became apparent for Light & Soul. These were:
- Collaborating with each other and others in creative ways that allow for our most passionate selves to exercise themselves (organic collaboration)
- Cultivating community culture
- Supporting and sharing the stories of people living passionately
- Respecting and honoring our integral piece within the biosphere
With these at the core of Light & Soul’s essence we step forward, focused and prepared to let our creative potential unfold individually and collaboratively through art, design, murals and film.
Our goal is simply to cultivate community culture.
By attending and hosting sweet events and gatherings, while nurturing the growth and discovery of the interconnected web of relationships that form the community, and then collaborating within these resilient connections, we hope to play our piece in stewarding and regenerating this unique habitat we call home.
As a side quest (project) a few of us have started a company called Leaf Ninjas.
Leaf Ninjas is an urban farming and permaculture gardening team taking action and growing quality food in Calgary.
We will be growing some of the finest local and organic produce and cultivating sustainable gardens in order to help fuel the growing awareness of, and hunger for, a sustainable local food system.
We will be farming in the communities of Inglewood and Ramsay this season and will be collaborating with The Area to create a weekly farmers market.
For more info check out www.leafninjas.ca
Tis the year of transformation and change.
Some go as far as saying we are entering a “golden age” or second renaissance, but to say the least we are all just trying to find that beautiful balance.
As we individually discover what that means to us, we, as a community, will be holdin’ it down and figuring it out together.
And damn Calgary, you’re doing a mighty fine job.
Nothing but gratitude goes out to all who have come out and supported Light & Soul over the years,
all the people and organizations who have invested in our artistic visions,
all the shops who have been a keystone for our growth,
all the artists, musicians, riders and crazy creatives we have collaborated with and who embody the essence of what this company stands for,
all the hubs and communities from Cochrane to Airdrie, from Lethbridge to the Shushwap, from Vancouver to Victoria, from Whistler to all the gems in between who have embraced the potential of a ripple.
We wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for you.
You’re an inspiration.
Keep on keepin’ on.
Much love
L&S
