Big Basin Art About Documentary by Nicky Gaston

After the August 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire destroyed or damaged 97% of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, the recovery and reimagining process began. As part of that process, the idea of the Big Basin Art About was developed.
California State Parks publicized the opportunity for artists to join CASPBA (California State Parks Backpacking Adventures) staff in the spring of 2023 and received well over 80 applicants from artists of a wide variety of mediums. Through collaboration with local universities, artist communities, and cooperating associations like Mountain Parks Foundation and Parks California, 18 artists were selected to participate in this unique opportunity.
As a result of their experience, Artists created a unique art piece in their preferred medium be it music, poetry, painting, sketching, ceramics, wood carving, or mixed multi-media projects. During their visit, “Art Aboutists,” as they were so aptly named, had the opportunity to join California State Park experts in fire ecology, Big Basin history, for guided recreational experiences in the park. Around the campfire in the evening, artists were joined by members of the local indigenous community, park historians, interpreters, and California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. This community laid the foundation for deep and meaningful discussions surrounding Big Basin’s past, present, and future maintaining our goals for equity and sustainability close at hand.
This short film made by Nicky Gaston, one of the Art Aboutists, documents the backpacking trip experience and inspiration for the project.