Nicola Harwood

Artist and writer Nicola Harwood had the opportunity to spend time in the studio apartment at the Woodhaven Eco Culture Centre, giving uninterrupted time to work on her writing and artistic practice. Harwood is an interdisciplinary artist with a background in theatre and performance, particularly collaborative creation, feminist work and community engaged practice.

Harwood, who is originally from Kelowna,  grew up close by Woodhaven on Dehart Rd. She currently teaches Creative Writing at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. She has been invited to UBC Okanagan in the past by FCCS professors offering an artist talk in an English class with Jodey Castricano, and was a guest on Michael V. Smith’s Soundtrack series in 2021.

“I like to come to Kelowna to see family and connect with artist colleagues from UBCO. Woodhaven is so precious as the sprawl engulfs the wild in the valley,” she says.

During her time here from June 25 to July 9, she created this large drawing in the detached studio on the property, pictured below.

Harwood says that she found the art studio cabin was very inspiring, adding that the light was beautiful as was being able to sit and watch the horses when she took a break.

“Walking from the apt/studio to my work studio with a coffee and knowing I had hours of quiet in this spectacular and precious place to work. I felt instantly inspired when I arrived and found working on both my writing and visual practice very satisfying and productive.”

Nicola Harwood’s drawing in the detached studio at Woodhaven, “It is true, it is true, it is true”, soft pastel, 2022

detail, “It is true, it is true, it is true”, soft pastel, 2022

Find out more about Nicola Harwood: www.nicolaharwood.com