“To me, art is not a concept that requires quotation marks. It is not an abstract to be set apart for special attention; every word, every brush stroke, every strand is woven into the world we live in.”

Christopher Cameron

I am a former professional opera singer who is now a writer and editor. In 2017 Dr. Bartolo’s Umbrella, a memoir about my singing years, was published. That same year my wife and I moved to Northumberland, after over 60 years in Toronto. Partly inspired by my adopted home, I set my new book of humour, Thorneside Stories, against a backdrop of rural Ontario.

Why do you believe in the Northumberland Festival of the Arts?

I am in awe of the ambition and scope of NFOTA. The project is a credit to everyone involved: artists, writers, musicians, organizers, volunteers – and the people who will attend. The Festival brings together creators and audiences from all over Northumberland and farther away.

Any passions and talents you want to share?

Passions galore. Talents – still a work-in-progress. I have a deep passion for the power and beauty of the written word, in which I indulge daily. For much of my life, I was an amateur endurance athlete, participating in triathlons, ultramarathons and long-distance cycling events. More passion than talent there, but I loved every minute. Although those days are past, I still enjoy a long slow run on a country road or forest trail in the mists of early morning. 

What are your roots or groups – connections in the community?

My job as editor of Watershed magazine gives me a golden opportunity to learn about the people, places and events in our region. Working occasionally as co-host for Word on the Hills gives me the chance to meet new writing colleagues. And let’s not forget the music video debut of What Fun! in NFOTA’s “Spread the Word.”  

What does “art” mean to you?

To me, art is not a concept that requires quotation marks. It is not an abstract to be set apart for special attention; every word, every brush stroke, every strand is woven into the world we live in. Art is only successful if all parts of the community participate, not just those who create it. As a recent guest on Word on the Hills put it: “my poem is not complete until people hear it.” The Northumberland Festival of the Arts manifests this idea like never before in our region.