The Forest is my teacher

Solo Show at Gallery 1313

March 31 - April 18, 2021

Artist statement

My recent trip to Lake Superior and Pukaskwa National Park inspired this series about the transformative power of the Boreal Forest. Pukaskwa is situated along the rocky shores of Lake Superior: picture towering cliffs, windswept spruce, secluded sandy beaches and lush boreal forests. I was in love! The way the setting sun peeked through dense, moss covered trees - so mystical. What resonated with me most about the boreal forest is that it is in a constant state of change. Growth - decay - renewal - repeat. The forest itself is not ancient like I initially thought. It is regularly affected by insects, fires and other natural disturbances so it continually renews itself. Disturbance is an integral part of a healthy forest, without it there is no growth. 

The canvases you see here were once part of a different body of work that no longer served me. They are re-stretched, repainted and reworked. The boreal forest has taught me important lessons about change and renewal - this has guided my current body of work. 

THE EVOLUtion of a forest

In 2007 I built and stretched a 4 x 8 ft canvas while I still had access to OCAD’s woodshop as a student.

The painting you see below was part of a large body of work that documented my experiences of walking through a forest as a child. 

This particular piece served its purpose but in recent months it clogged both my studio and mental space. Thirteen years later, it got a new life. Painting over it was cathartic and transformative.

My recent trip to Pukaskwa National Park inspired what will become a new series about the Boreal Forest. I returned from this camping trip feeling very recharged and inspired to create. Pukaskwa is situated along the rocky shores of Lake Superior: picture towering cliffs, windswept spruce, secluded sandy beaches and lush boreal forests. I was in love! The way the setting sun peeked through dense, moss covered trees - so mystical.

What resonated with me most about the boreal forest is that it is in a constant state of change. Growth - death - renewal - repeat. The forest itself is not ancient like I initially thought. It is regularly affected by insects, fires and other natural disturbances so it continually renews itself. Disturbance is integral to the forest. Without it there is no growth. I need to sit with this idea for longer; it’s so profound. 

Details

BLACK CAT ARTSPACE

Nov. 26 - Dec. 3, 2019

The inspiration for my work comes from extended canoe and backcountry camping trips in Northern Ontario. During these remote excursions I find a deep sense of connection with water and land. Being in wilderness has a profound effect on my psyche and is directly tied to my wellbeing. 

Exploration by canoe is a delicate yet powerful experience. To put a paddle in the water is to still the mind - a meditative experience so quiet it allows you to tune into the environment - much like dipping a brush into paint. To put a paddle in the water is to feel exhilarated and energized - the whole body is activated each time the canoe is propelled. To canoe is to engage in an ancient dance -  a momentum that can only be achieved through a connection to mind, body and place. 

This series of paintings are moments experienced in places where stillness and movement are strongly intertwined. The vibrant, often saturated colours and bold brush strokes communicate the energy of each place. I work primarily with oils on canvas and use my own photographs as reference. My paintings are often framed from the canoeist’s perspective, offering viewers a glimpse into what it feels like to paddle in Canadian wilderness.