MANITOULIN—A singer-songwriter and fiddler with close ties to the Manitoulin region is releasing an album inspired by the people and places she was introduced to on the Island.
“I am releasing a new album, ‘Between the Green,’ which is based on my artist residency on Manitoulin with 4elements Living Arts,” Georgia Hathaway told The Expositor in an email.
Originally from Toronto, Ms. Hathaway was “looking for a way out of the big smoke. They had always felt a deep connection to nature, but after going through several brain injuries they felt that connection was becoming essential,” a release explained.
“After my fourth concussion, it was pretty clear to me that I needed to do some big healing. I needed a retreat,” Hathaway explained. “When I found out about an artist residency on Manitoulin Island, I immediately went for it.”
The organization behind the residency, 4elements Living Arts, is a hub for land-based and community arts throughout the Island.
“In the summer of 2022, Ms. Hathaway packed her bags and set out to live off-grid in a mobile studio that was parked in a forest on a local farm run by Chuc and Linda Willson, called ‘Ravenswing.’ It was a big change from the hustle and bustle of city life, and a chance to rediscover and rejuvenate themselves. Georgia developed such close relationships with people she met on the Island, one of the songs on the album is about Chuc and Linda.”
“The songs on the album are inspired by the people and places I encountered while on the Island, but each of them also speaks to an aspect of my personal journey,” said Ms. Hathaway. “One of the songs is about the ‘Alvar,’ a rare ecosystem on the Island that thrives in a harsh climate, but it’s also about resilience and learning to live through challenges.”
Writing and producing the album has been its own healing awork, according to Ms. Hathaway, who returns to the Island every year to perform, run workshops and collaborate with local artists such as dancer, choreographer, and teacher Candice Irwin (Body Stories Dance).
“It’s been so great to continue a relationship with Manitoulin and the surrounding area. It feels like a second home to me now.”
‘Between the Green’ will be released on April 11 with a cross-Canada tour, including shows on Manitoulin on April 28 and at Knowhere Public House in Sudbury on May 3.
