Aften Thiessen | Artist BioAften Thiessen is a Regent College alumna; she graduated in 2010 with her MATS, completing an IPIAT with a short film called “Six Days” and thesis “Parabolic Films: A Critical Look at the Relationship Between the Parables of Jesus and Film Studies.” She was born and raised in Texas, and attended Dallas Baptist University, receiving a BA in Print Graphic Communication in 2005. She now lives in Abbotsford, BC with her husband, Greg, and their 3 children. Aften is deeply fascinated by the abundant estuary that is the convergence of stories and visual art.
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Exhibition | Idlewild: The Flowers, Plants, and Trees of Anne of Green Gables
I first met Anne of Green Gables in the Spring of 2020 when I was 36 years old and still nursing my third born. People had tried to introduce us before, but I had resisted the introduction feeling that Anne might be too hokey – even for me. When I finally gave way, I found a kindred spirit who made me smile, laugh, and at times cry. Anne not only helped me endure the pandemic, she helped me to appreciate parts of myself – mainly my ambition and love of learning.
But above all, Anne of Green Gables inspired me to see the beauty in creation. During the pandemic, my family and I, like many others, spent more time exploring out-of-doors. While reading Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne series, I started to notice the startling number of times specific flowers and trees were mentioned; however, I also realized I could not picture the flora in my imagination. I had no idea what a lombardi tree looked like or how it might be different than a birch tree. I didn’t know what an “apple scented geranium” might look like – or why it might cause an 11-year-old girl to name it Bonny.
And so, I set out to discover the flowers, plants, and trees written about in Anne of Green Gables. May this exhibit not only unlock the many kinds of flora mentioned in Anne of Green Gables, but may it help you to notice the little and big botanical miracles all around you.
But above all, Anne of Green Gables inspired me to see the beauty in creation. During the pandemic, my family and I, like many others, spent more time exploring out-of-doors. While reading Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne series, I started to notice the startling number of times specific flowers and trees were mentioned; however, I also realized I could not picture the flora in my imagination. I had no idea what a lombardi tree looked like or how it might be different than a birch tree. I didn’t know what an “apple scented geranium” might look like – or why it might cause an 11-year-old girl to name it Bonny.
And so, I set out to discover the flowers, plants, and trees written about in Anne of Green Gables. May this exhibit not only unlock the many kinds of flora mentioned in Anne of Green Gables, but may it help you to notice the little and big botanical miracles all around you.