The Passionate lives of Cowichan women

Author Lesley Fountain, left, chronicles the life and work of local painters Pipi Tustian, centre, and Coco Jones in her new book The Passionate Life.

Peter W. Rusland

Twenty-two Cowichan women are living proof of the valley’s creative crucible.

Evidence appears in pictures, and answers to questions submitted by each woman chronicled in Lesley Fountain’s colourful book The Passionate Life: Creativity, Connections and Community.

“Why are all these amazing women here?” mused Fountain. “Some are here by accident, some grew up here.”

But their bent for fostering a Warm Land family saw Fountain’s females connect dots between themselves in mysterious ways.

That’s why each profile details that women’s connection to many others.

“The common thread is creativity,” Veronika Nicholson, a Buddhist minister and artist, said of the book’s group of unique women.

“We’re all living our passion — we’ve dreamed of doing what we’re doing, and we encourage other women to find their passion and bliss.

“Helping others helps one find a sense of purpose.”

Nicholson noted “women’s therapy” sees females talk respectfully.

That growing “vortex of energy” pulled women such as clairvoyant Sarah Wilson to Cowichan, and into Fountain’s book feted recently at Shawnigan Lake’s Moziro Cafe.

“There’s an energy in this valley, and these women are connected with their soul’s gifts,” Wilson said.

“If everyone was doing what they’re passionate about, the world would be a magical place.

“It’s like an athlete being in that special zone.”

That’s why Lynn Weaver of the Moondance Dynamic Arts School viewed the book as a vehicle fueled by personal momentum.

“I love this book because all these women feel validated and have found courage,” she said of the 22 artists, mothers, businesswomen, caregivers and healers.

“But without supportive spouses, a lot of these things wouldn’t be possible,” she added.

“As a single mother, you wouldn’t necessarily have the (time) capacity to look at the wider world.”

Painter Coco Jones illustrates that sometimes-weird landscape as a social outsider of sorts.

“This is a compilation from a bunch of black sheep, and the beauty is about not conforming,” she said.

But Passionate Life was a chance to tell about an array of valley women living interesting lives, noted chocolatier, milkmaid, writer and soul coach Jenn De Valk.

“People can live in their own area and not know who lives around them, but this book focuses on those talents.”

Perfume maker and actress Karen Dyck agreed.

“This puts a spotlight on ordinary women living extraordinary lives.”

Handywoman and musician Dom Daviau was humbled Fountain asked her to be included.

Daviau viewed the book as a raft of largely unsung role models.

“It’s bigger than just a book,” she said, hoping Fountain’s work flushes out other deserving females.

“Women have a way of delivering messages in a way that’s nurturing and inclusive.”

Right, said eco-clothing designer Hilary Else.

“Lots of women in this book inspired each other and the community,” she said, describing Cowichan as a synthesis of dreams realized through talents and beliefs.

But the book’s 22 women are just the tip of Fountain’s iceberg.

“I’m starting another book right way.

“Everyone’s asking ‘What about so and so?’

“I could do three or four books like this.”

Fountain’s planning a February book launch at Duncan’s Embellish store.