This is an artist statement that I put together with a friend of mine....
Fluorescent, black, electricity.
These are not words typically used to evoke a natural landscape.
This body of work seeks to contrast two different themes: the natural and the artificial.
The opportunity to become intimate with the beauty of nature from a young age is something that has greatly influenced my artistic language. I have encountered the Canadian landscape from coast to coast, in all its diversity and richness.
People associate simple patterns and symbols with elements in nature, and rely on these patterns to understand art. I have enjoyed challenging and manipulating these assumptions, exploring how they interact to create an accessible or inaccessible landscape.
However, the natural landscape is no longer the only kind we encounter. The encroachment of industrial and urban elements upon it is a reality of the post-industrial world. These new landscapes are just as complex, challenging and beautiful, and bring new scope to the concept of landscape art.
Bringing together natural and artificial elements to subvert the landscape, I engage the audience’s assumptions about the Canadian landscape and finally invite them to reconsider our artistic Canadian Identity.
As I mentioned, my only desire is for it to give me some structure/ direction in an attempt to drive some themes that are important to me.
Thus! Feedback would be great. Any ideas of artists I should be thinking/ reading/ obsess about? Canadian Identity... don't go there??
Let me know.
How about Alan de Botton's "The Architecture of Happiness." Its about how people respond emotionally to our environments; so maybe will build on your understanding of natural vs. built environment, how we respond to beautiful things and why, what we are drawn to in a space, etc.
ReplyDeletePlus its an intro to architecture for those of us who dont feel like 7 years of schooling. He's a great writer.
Also, any plans to get some pics of your work up here for us to drool over?
ReplyDeleteAlso, another interesting resource if you are feeling like exploring more than reading... Have you heard of this place?
ReplyDeletehttp://bennavaeegallery.com/default.aspx
Sounds like a cool idea AG :) The only real book I've ever had a serious look at that has pictures of Canadian Landscapes is the Group of Seven:P
ReplyDeleteWell 'bookslut' did a review on "The Architecture of Happiness" and she seemed to think it was a great read (haha) but it's obviously because of your recommendation Sammy that I'm going to get it tomorrow. :) I'm particularly interested in the human element and understanding that more. Ooo I'm excited!
ReplyDeleteI do promise to post pictures of what I'm working on. At the moment I am at a stand still because of a crazy frame job I've been trying to assemble. 250 screws later (at 10pm) I finished finally, so new work will be posted soon!
I have never heard of Ben Navaee Gallery before. Wow. What a find! How did you come across it?