About the Photographer
I moved to the Bella Coola valley (situated on the Central
Coast of British Columbia) 20 years ago and have been
photographing its natural wonders for the past 18 years.
I have had a lifelong interest in observing and learning the natural history of all the life forms and landscapes I've ever encountered and living here in the bounty of the Temperate rainforest has been very beneficial - both photographically and spiritually. Actually, the word "interest" is weak. It's been a passion.
Fortunately, about 12 years ago, I made my first visit to the Tropical rainforest of Yelapa, Mexico and my fascination with the rainforest habitat was amplified. I had found a southern cousin with similar values of warmth, generosity and light as I discovered in my adoptive home of Bella Coola. I've had the good fortune to re-visit Yelapa since and hope I can do so again. I've recently included a few pages of Yelapa images to my site. I hope you enjoy it all.
I work with film cameras in 35mm as well as medium and
large formats and scan and print my own materials.
About Jumping Mouse
Jumping Mouse is a story I read many years ago and seems to have found permanent living quarters in my mind. This story comes from the book SEVEN ARROWS by Hyemeyohsts Storm. The book describes the Medicine Wheel teachings of the Plains Indian Nations and Jumping Mouse is one of the teaching stories in the book. I will not attempt to describe the story here but would suggest, to anyone interested, to acquire and read this wise and potent book. Suffice it to say, at the end of the Jumping Mouse story, a transformation occurs and the trusting little mouse becomes Eagle. This is my "reasoning" for the presence of Eagle on my logo - a reminder to myself that we are all given gifts and that true growth and transformation will occur when these gifts are willingly given away.
The Book,
BELLA COOLA:
Life in the Heart of the
Coast Mountains,
is now available through the photographer,
Michael Wigle
Jumping Mouse Studio
Photography of the Central Coast of British Columbia ... and Beyond.
Photographer: Michael Wigle
