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Coast Mountain News Thursday, September 1, 2011
New Reporter at the Coast Mountain News: Sarah Gowans Featured Bella Coola Business: Rock N Gem Trading Post
BY JENNY CROFT Bella Coola Rock N Gem store owner Steve Simonovic was working in the Canadian oilfields in the 1970s when his inspiration for rock cutting struck. A geologist friend taught Steve the basics of rocks, and he knew right away that this was his future. Determination to realize his dream took Steve from moving rigs on the oilfield in Fort St. John to eventually becoming owner of five businesses throughout BC. On his journey
toward rock cutting, he debated mining rights in court with Mohawk Oil, who held most of the rights for mining jade east of Dease Lake, BC at the time. Of his triumph, Steve says: “When you’re right, you can’t lose!” Over the years he started buying up claims, putting all he had into his businesses, and increasing his mining portfolio from jade to rhodenite. The acquisition of rhodenite claims in Rivers Inlet brought him to Bella Coola. “It really is where my heart is,” he
says of the area. “I’d love to be out there right now, exploring instead of sitting here.” The Bella Coola rock shop is modelled on his first trading post in the Yukon, and although it is a much smaller version, it is so full of rock art and jewellery - much of it locally made - that the mind boggles. Steve has made BC jade famous throughout the world, and has artisans working on carving huge jade ships – two of which are on display in the Bella Coola shop. Steve was pleasantly surprised to find a lot of local talent in Bella Coola and now mentors several artists, including many Nuxalk youth, in the art of rock carving and painting. This is done with rock cutters, grinders and polishers in the back of the shop, from rough rock to finished, pol-
ished jewellery. Among the artists that display their work in the Rock N Gem shop using various mediums are such local notables as Alvin Mack, Noel Pootlass, Al Nelson, Don Wadhams, Clive Young, Marvin Tallio, Teresa Bagshaw, and Skip Saunders. Of the Nuxalk youth learning the trade, Steve says, “These kids are really good, some of them are going to go far. I buy their work and I’ll help them build their names rock carving and cutting.” The Trading Post is hard to miss: it is located on Highway 20 across from the Bella Coola Museum in downtown Bella Coola on the way to the wharf. There is a huge carved bear in the front, flags of the US and Canada, and a sign on the window that reads “Free Coffee.” It is open every day from 10 to 6 pm.
Don’t hesitate to say hello to Sarah Gowans if you see her around town!
I thought it would be an easy task when I was asked to write an article about myself, but it actually turns out to be my most difficult assignment yet. I am a new contributor for the Coast Mountain Newspaper, but some may refer to me as “the new Australian girl in town.” I have been living in the valley for one year now but have heard you have to live here for 25 years to be considered a local! I instantaneously fell in love with the pristine beauty of Bella Coola when I first visited on a fishing trip in 2009, and I now live here with my husband Rob and 18 month old daughter Isabella Rose. Since moving to BC from Melbourne, Australia in 2006, I have traveled throughout much of western Canada, but have yet to find a place that is more beautiful
than this valley. So inspired by my new surroundings, I decided to pursue my interest in photography, something I had put on hold since completing my Degree in Media Arts Fine Art Photography in Melbourne, Australia. I have recently started offering photography services in the Bella Coola Valley and am available for portraits, event, documentary and lifestyle shoots. I am also currently completing my Graduate Elementary and Secondary Education Degree and hope to practice as a teacher in the near future. I have enjoyed working as a substitute teacher and teacher’s assistant at Bella Coola Elementary School and SAMSS, and have been impressed by the dedication and caring nature of our local teachers. When I’m not working or studying, I enjoy exploring this magnificent place. The other day we took a drive to Blue Jay Lake, and also hiked into Grey Jay Lake, the views were absolutely amazing! If you would like to view my portfolio or find out more about my photography services, please contact me on (250) 999-4679 or email me at sarah@sarahgowansphotography.com. Place your business card in our Business Directory for only $10 per issue.
982-2696 • Hagensborg
ONE PERSONS OLD STUFF COULD BE A COLLECTORS TREASURE Have you got stuff collecting dust? Antiques, old photos, bottle collections, old stamps, furniture, appliances SOMEONE ELSE MIGHT WANT IT! Call Caitlin at 250-982-2696 or Julie at 250-398-5516 Call Christina We will help you with all your classified needs. CALL TODAY!
250-982-2696 • HAGENSBORG