Vancouver Foundation

To learn more about the Downtown Eastside Small Arts Grants program visit vancouverfoundationsmallarts.ca. You can also help support this program with a donation. Call Kristin in Donor Services at 604.629.5186 for more information. Photos: (clockwise from top left) Franke James; Gerry Kahrmann/PNG; Franke James 2 0 1 7 I V a n c o u v e r F o u n d a t i o n l p a g e 2 1 to her age – she was then 49 – abilities and temperament. In the video, Pocock calls for an apology from the government for denying her human rights. "I was crying and scared," Pocock says to the camera. "It's my right to decide where to live … I did not want to be there." She received 26,000 online signatures of support. In November 2016, as a result of public pressure and media attention, Ontario Minister of Health and Long- Term Care Dr. Eric Hoskins wrote a letter of apology to Pocock. Franke framed it and hung it in the front hallway. at wasn't the only time Pocock has attracted the attention of politicians. At the opening of her gallery show, a staff member of Vancouver East MP Jenny Kwan presented Pocock with a certificate from Kwan, applauding her "wonderful drawing, creativity and achievement." It is also framed and hangs in Pocock's bedroom. Since the exhibit, Pocock has been drawing nearly every day in her artist's sketchbooks. Her inspiration has become Gastown itself, edgy despite its gentrification, noisy and raw, a working harbour with cargo ships loading and unloading in Burrard Inlet. Pocock draws what is around her: the geometric pattern of windows on the Woodward's building; her favourite coffee shop Prado; London Drugs; Nesters Market and, most endearing to Pocock, e Flying Pig bistro, with its homemade macaroni and cheese, and desserts. "I like chocolate cake," says Pocock, who does yoga, plays Scrabble and reads in her spare time. "Teresa's art shows what she cares about, what she is feeling and thinking and what she's afraid of and excited about," says Franke. "She shows that she belongs in the world." Pocock has another project in the works; she is planning what Franke describes as "an unconventional, freewheeling cookbook" full of her favourite foods. "We thought the book could have information about the neighbourhood and where Teresa actually gets the food." As with her first publication, it too will be filled with images and drawings. "And we'll go to the Flying Pig," Pocock adds. Franke muses on her younger sister's influence in Gastown. "In society, there is a tendency to take people who are different and segregate and hide them away. When Teresa is out in the world, it brings out good things in people. Like at restaurants, they will bend over backwards because Teresa is with us. We call it the Teresa Effect." Teresa with her sister Franke James

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