Remembering and Honoring TemPeSt Grace Gale, a Hornby Artist

Words by Keir Nicoll

Hornby Island was residence to a great local artist who did much to inspire people. She was a musician, poet, spoken-word artist, performer of various ilks, and more. During the time that she called Hornby her home, she made many lasting friendships that have influenced people to this day. She is remembered for her stilt-walking costume performances, her live-music forays, among many other things. She was a beautiful and vital essence on the island she lived on and beyond. Eleven years ago, she was murdered. To this day the case remains unresolved. Now, filmmaker Hollie McGowan-Whickham is seeking to honor her presence in a documentary that spans the life of Gale and the ripple-effects of her death. Calling All People: The Story of TemPeSt Grace Gale, is now in post-production as McGowan-Wickham and editor Sonya Chwyl work to bring this telling and compelling story to life. The former is a previous academic who connected with Gale towards the end of her life. She is now working to bring to life the legacy of a woman who will not be soon forgotten. Contacting Gale's parents, McGowan-Wickham felt instantly impassioned to complete the project. “She was a spark and such an incredible force,” she said of Gale. “It is a story about a beautiful, inspiring person”, says McGowan-Wickham. “But also knowing that she was murdered. There is a fine line there. I don’t want to make it sensational.” Now, as she has been given access to Grace's books and notes by her parents, as well as listened to and read her music and books, she has been able to bring a uniquely artistic perspective to her story. She is also an avid documentary film watcher and has brought this, as well as her interview skills with hundreds of musicians, to bear on the film. She has interviewed 21 people about the film, including two well-known Canadian blues musicians, Big Dave McLean and Rita Chiarelli. She has also travelled to Wells and Victoria to speak with others who were touched by the life and work of Gale. To complete the next phase of the filmmaking process, she has launched her second crowdfunding campaign using the FundRazr platform. To learn more about the film and its current campaign, check out the link here: https://fundrazr.com/c1Znqf?ref=ab_d5tOsc_ab_6nLdo1vjyiL6nLdo1vjyiL