My creative research in digital art & humanities at the University of British Columbia looks at the human-wolf symbiotic connection throughout history, as a mirror for modern humanity’s disconnection from nature. I examine the anti-wolf origins of the Western world. My work focuses on the wolves of the Southern Interior Rainforest of British Columbia. Using digital tools, I create a new, multi-media wolf narrative, one that encourages humanity to reconnect with the earth and our animal-humanness.
Wolves and I go way back, long before I was even born. The gods of my Norse ancestors were never without companion wolves and ravens. My familial name, Forsyth, comes from the grandson of Oden and Frigg: Forseti.
My Celtic Druid ancestors also had a fascinating relationship with wolves. The first Hart in Ireland was a Druid King of Tara. He was lost in the forest as a young child and raised by wolves. He eventually was found by his family. It is said that he maintained the ability to communicate with wolves for his entire life. Also, female Druids had the ability to shape-shift into wolves.
I’ve been blessed to unexpectedly meet wolves in the wilds of the Yukon. Our interactions were pivotal to my understanding of my true, animalness.
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