An Oasis in Fernwood

by Reverend Derek Dunwoody
March 2008

Dieuwertje (Dita) von Aesch and Frances Sidhe joined St John's community about four years ago having moved to Victoria from Winnipeg. They are another example of the extraordinary richness of the variety and personal giftedness of our congregation. Dita was formerly a chef and Frances is still a practising sommelier. Together they own and operate "Victoria Wood Studio, Fine Gates and Passageways". Their home and workshop is a block south of the busy intersection of Bay St. and Fernwood Rd. Yet despite its location it is indeed an oasis of greenery, flowing water and ponds graced by examples of Dita's artistry.

After moving to Victoria this intrepid pair enrolled in Camosun College; Dita in the Fine Furniture course, and Frances in one on business management. On completion of their studies, preceded by the purchase of a skillfully restored house, they started up the business, though Frances continued her position as the sommelier at an Italian restaurant for some time.

On entering their home the first thing one notices is the gentle aroma of cedar wood coming from the workshop in the basement and the lengths of cedar maturing in the airy front room, which is Frances' office.

Why gates and passageways? They speak so eloquently to Dita because they reflect the fact that we are spiritual beings having a physical experience on this planet. This means that we are living on the threshold of two realities and so are in two environments at once, a liminal experience. The passageways represent how we live out our lives here by moving between experiences of great variety. These transitions are often thought of as being passageways to another step in our maturation and spiritual growth. Even though Dita was not present when chatting with Frances I still felt that one may meet her by engaging with examples of her work.

I would suggest that when you go to look at the gate in the church garden at St John the Divine... don't just look but feel the soft curves of the wood and sniff the aroma of the cedar. Note how the precision of the construction blends with the gentle curvatures and the way light comes through the apertures; you will meet Dita!

From the way that Frances talked about Dita's work and of her own part in this dynamic partnership, it became clear to me how the deep respect and love they have for one another must bring joy and delight to all who know them or employ their creative skills.

Without going inside their home but just by leaning over the fence at the rear of the house and by admiring the garden, one can sense the serenity and grace which Frances and Dita have created. Listen to the water as it flows between the three ponds, smell the scent of boxwood bushes and low hedges, and bask in the blend of colours... you will feel thankful.

Learn more about Dita and Frances on their web site www.victoriawoodstudio.com, and in the article Thresholds in this issue of Aspire.