We all have a role to play in the protection and preservation of our beautiful world.
Appreciating what we have may be the first step along the path of understanding why we need to care
An Environmental Message
Photography by Michelle Valberg
Jewellery Designed by Karen Mcclintock
Our Lasting Legacy... An Environmental Message
Profiling the beauty of the Earth through photography and jewellery, Michelle Valberg and Karen McClintock are blending their creative perspectives in a book focused on hope, beauty and the future for all North Americans. Our Lasting Legacy... An Environmental Message is about global care and concern for the protection and preservation of the natural world as a lasting legacy for our children and grandchildren.
In this publication. Karen and Michelle are storytellers, not environmentalists - they bring forward their strikingly beautiful works of art with the intention of using their artistic vision to make a difference. You will be inspired by the words of eight prominent Canadian women and our Canadian youth.
All profits from "Our Lasting Legacy will be donated to postsecondary institutions for bursaries and scholarships in the field of environmental studies. Our descendants deserve to have what our generation and generations before us have enjoyed. Through their art, Michelle and Karen want to remind us of what we have and encourage us all to do whatever we can to help future generations experience a prosperous, green and healthy life.
Michelle Valberg is an award-winning Canadian photographer, renowned for her soulful portraiture and stunning landscapes. Her work has been featured in numerous magazines including US Magazine, In Style, Ottawa Life, Readers Digest and Chatelaine, and has been the subject of two self-published books - Look Beyond...The Faces & Stories of People with HIVIAIDS and Dare to Dream...A Celebration of Canadian Women. Karen draws from nature's core elements and fashion's rich colors, balancing sterling silver with a broad range of semi-precious stones pearls and crystals. Inspired by the magnificence she observes in nature, Karen's creative vision is to transform the beauty she sees in the world into wearable art.
About the book:
Michelle's photographs will illustrate eight categories - mountains, forests, wildlife & mammals, insects & birds, land & rocks, botanical, water and weather. Her impressive photographs from Canada will focus entirely on nature, Each photograph will be accompanied by an inspirational quotation about nature and the environment.
For each category there will be a prominent Canadian woman ambassador. Karen will design a necklace for each category and ambassador. Each ambassador will write their thoughts on how they can make a difference in their environment. On the opposite page from the photographs will be a small essay from Canadian youth, expressing their insight into the future: what they want to do to help the earth, what it means to them and how they are trying to make a difference - big or small.
Karen's necklaces are inspired by Michelle's photographs: each one will be named after an ambassador and will be for sale through the book and www.ourlastinglegacy.ca. The book release is set for November 2008.
Proposed "Legacy Ambassadors" are: Her Excellency the Right Honorable Michaëlle Jean, Heather Reisman, Jann Arden, Linda Lundström, Hilary Weston, Rachel McAdams, Catriona Le May Doan and Veronica Tennant.
Book Specs: Hardcover coffee table book - Colour photographs - 12"x12" size - Approximately 200-220 pages
Michelle Valberg
Michelle Valberg is an award-winning Canadian photographer, renowned for her soulful portraiture and stunning landscapes. Her work has appeared in numerous magazines including US, In Style, Ottawa Life, Reader’s Digest and Chatelaine, and has been the subject of her two self-published books - Look Beyond… The Faces & Stories of People with HIV/AIDS and Dare to Dream… A Celebration of Canadian Women, which became a national bestseller. Both of her books raised money and awareness for Canadian charities as her generous spirit encompasses everything that she does.
Valberg possesses a magical combination of artistic creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and community commitment. She owns and operates the only combined photography gallery and studio in Ottawa—Valberg Imaging Inc. Over the years, she has contributed her talents to countless fundraising initiatives for a wide range of both local and national charities. She is a board member of the CHEO Foundation, the SCO Health Services Foundation, The Telus Community Foundation, as well as the Algonquin College Foundation and co-chairs Capital Talk, an Ottawa-based committee that organizes local charity fundraisers.
Valberg received a Women of Distinction award (Arts Category) from the YMCA/YWCA in 2000. In 2003, the Women’s Business Network named her Ottawa’s Businesswoman of the Year for her entrepreneurial spirit and community involvement. In 2004, Valberg was honored with the Ottawa Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award and in 2005, she received the St. Joe’s Women’s Shelter Quality of Life Award and she was named Algonquin College’s Alumna of the Year.
“Michelle Valberg's innovative way of presenting her subjects and her thoughtful choices makes her one of Canada's most inventive and original artists.” - Heather Reisman, CEO and founder of Indigo
“We would all do well to stop for a moment and see how this Ottawa photographer has utilized her considerable organizational and photographic skills to help make this world a better place.” - Michael McLuhan, MPA, M. Photog., APPO, CPP
Valberimage.Com
Karen McClintock Canada’s hottest new Jewellery Designer
Karen McClintock introduced her debut collection of custom jewellery for women at Holt Renfrew in the fall of 2006. Inspired by the magnificence she observes in nature, Karen's creative vision is to transform the beauty she sees in the world into wearable art. Her intention is to stir the women who wear her collections to feel not only beautiful but also connected to the earth. Karen draws from nature's core elements and the rich colors found in the fashion world, balancing sterling silver with a broad range of semi-precious stones, pearls, crystals and antique coins.
Designed with both a timeless appeal and an element of versatility, each one-of-a-kind piece in a Karen McClintock collection stands out with a freshness that defines a modern woman's personal style. The Karen McClintock collection is available at select Holt Renfrew locations across Canada, Shepherd's in Ottawa, La Crème in St. Jacob's and Maples in Halifax.
“Good Canadian designers are few and far between. Her pieces are going out of the store as fast as they come in. They are as unique and fresh as Karen McClintock is.”
Julie Timmons, Manager of Special Events & Publicity Holt Renfrew
During our short time on this earth, we must remember that we are all guardians of this planet. The actions we take now will ensure the survival for future generations.
Gerda Hnatyshyn Honourary Legacy
Ambassador