Flesherton, Ontario
Flesherton Art Gallery, 2008
Artist Statement:
For the last fifteen years, my work has involved 'natural notations' through references to mathematics, geometry, intersections, grids and incremental change. With these notations I have investigated the concept of time through change, both seasonal and environmental at places of intersections of water, earth and atmosphere; erosion and sedimentation, and life cycles.
I think of notations as systems for relating a concept to a practical application. For example: with music the sound is represented by a note in a specific position on paper ; the time by an additional mark associated with that note. With this notation it is possible to read or "see" sound and to give music a consistent permanence.
I have been curious about the process of "inventing a notation" and have been experimenting with using signs, symbols and 'pictoglyphs'. The set of symbols that has evolved in this body of work began with the use of branches of trees. This natural notation system has developed along an intuitive path. By tracing small pieces of branches, one, two or more at a time, I have explored a number of different applications. Some are simple juxtapositions; some are as complex as totems and pictographs.
The applications also vary in their complexities but often suggest dualities, opposites and connections. There are simple ideas of 'yes and no', 'up and down' as well as 'earth and sky', and 'light and dark'.
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stitching with cotton thread,
acrylic on canvas
16" X 12"
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stitching with cotton thread and copper wire
acrylic on canvas
40" X 12"
)
Flesherton Art Gallery
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graphite on paper
18.25" x 15.5"
)
graphite on paper
18.25" x 15.5"
)
graphite on paper
18.25" x 15.5"
)
graphite on paper
18.25" x 15.5"
)
graphite on paper
18.25" x 15.5"
)
graphite on paper
18.25" x 15.5"
The artist gratefully acknowledges
exhibition assistance from
the Ontario Arts Council
