Science. Nature. Art.
Science. Nature. Art.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Gail Bacosa-Puhawan is a mother of 6/”retired” scientist/maker/dancer/baker/"insert here"-er, surviving trauma, depression and anxiety by creating things. She believes that there is beauty in everything, even in the ugliness life might bring.
Her previous lives include working with children with developmental disabilities in both residential and school settings, working as an aquatics instructor, and accidentally as a scientist in the food industry, ensuring food quality and safety. She continues to study at the University of Manitoba, values lifelong learning opportunities and is okay not knowing what lies ahead.
She loves documenting life with photographs and words. She is a believer of possibilities, values imperfection, and meaningful conversation with people before it’s too late.
She also has special interests in environmental causes, food security, mental health awareness, and child advocacy.
She is a self-taught artist using her hands (and body) as instruments towards her own healing journey. She calls the resulting art work “objects of her affliction”. Working with many mediums and across platforms, she is guided only by what inspires her at any fleeting moment.
“I am awestruck by the beauty of the natural world, both in the seen and unseen (and sometimes forgotten). I try my best to capture those little wonders in my work.”
Her current project, “PaperCut Lakes of Manitoba”, consists of intricately cut colored paper, layered to form models of lakes, with each color and layer representing depth. These sculptures help open discussion about travel, environmental causes, and lake health. A self proclaimed, “Ambassador to Manitoba”, she enjoys sharing the interesting places she has found in Manitoba and encourages others to love where you live.
Her time between projects is usually spent with her family, challenging herself to learn new skills or exploring the many parks and lakes Manitoba has to offer, often pretending she is a tourist. She enjoys being outdoors-hiking, cycling, canoeing, swimming, and camping. Nature has a way of keeping her grounded and the woods has often been a sacred place for her to gather and process her thoughts.
