For the past three decades, Christenson Bailey has been living in Vancouver’s Stanley Park. He initially moved into a small campsite deep in the forest to focus on making art and has continued to reside there to this day. Bailey has managed to survive on very little income, at one point only making $300 a year by utilizing his art skills to do sign-writing jobs around the city for cash. In the early years, he lived solely by candlelight and taught himself how to catch wild geese and ducks for food. Despite living in isolation, Bailey found happiness and contentment during this period.
Bailey’s self-sufficient lifestyle continued as technology advanced. He would ride his bike to UBC to use the computer library to build websites and would collect old inner tubes from bike tires to use as bag ties. Even when offered clothing or food vouchers, he never accepted help from others, preferring to live independently. Bailey found solace in the quiet forest, allowing him to reset his life and live a simple existence free from outside responsibilities. He spent his days studying the forest, meditating, and creating art inspired by the natural world around him.
As Bailey’s years in Stanley Park progressed, he began experiencing changes in his living situation. In 2017, he developed a skin condition from bathing in a contaminated stream near his campsite. This led him to seek treatment from a clinic, where he was referred to the Canadian Mental Health Association to be paired with a case worker. Geoff Bodnerak, Bailey’s case worker, helped him navigate obtaining a bank account and initiating the process for a pension. Within a few months, Bailey’s income increased significantly from $300 a year to $600 per month, allowing him to afford groceries, better outdoor clothing, and a phone for his art Instagram account.
Despite the changes in Bailey’s circumstances, he remained committed to living in Stanley Park. His relationship with Bodnerak was based on trust, and Bodnerak respected Bailey’s desire to continue living in the park. When Bailey required minor surgery that resulted in a $1,000 bill, Bodnerak offered to pay for it, demonstrating his dedication to helping Bailey. While Bailey adapted to the improvements in his life, steps were taken to plan for his future, including obtaining a passport. However, due to challenges and the onset of the pandemic, progress on Bailey’s case halted, leaving him waiting for the next steps.
After spending 27 years living in isolation in Stanley Park, Bailey’s story is a testament to resilience and a desire for simplicity. Despite the hardships and challenges he faced, Bailey found peace and inspiration in the natural world around him, using his art as a means of self-expression. As he navigated changes in his living situation and began to adapt to a new way of life, Bailey’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of connection, trust, and perseverance in facing life’s uncertainties. The final chapter of Bailey’s journey in Stanley Park awaits, highlighting the ongoing challenges and triumphs he continues to experience.
