Christopher Van Twest is a lawyer and practicing member of the BC Bar in the process of transitioning to consulting and litigating in Human Rights.
In 2016, I first expressed my interest in the art of balancing rocks. It gave me something to do while walking the beaches around Vancouver, kicking stones, picking up rocks, and collecting unique shapes. This is where the art of balancing originated. I expanded my horizons from beaches to abandoned railway lines, industrial spaces that had been closed, and collecting discarded artifacts that I could use to create images. By 2020, we had created enough images to produce a calendar. We now produce a calendar annually and are working on NFTs and story books.
Rocks are easier to balance into shapes if the aggregate number of the rocks used in the image are a prime number.
Over the past five years, an extensive inventory of rock images has been developed—each with its own unique story to tell. This inspired the creation of a children’s storybook series, bringing characters like Octavious and Bubbles to life. The first book, “The Tales of Octavious and Bubbles: Friendship,” was released in December 2023, marking the beginning of an exciting storytelling journey.
Midden Rock Artist is more than just an art project—it’s a blend of balance, creativity, and storytelling. Whether you’re drawn to the visual art, the annual calendar, the NFTs, or the heartwarming stories, there’s something here for everyone.