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 I'm pretty sure this winter in Montreal has been even milder than last year. We only got a huge dump of snow for the first time yesterday, and it feels like its been no colder than -10 for a while now. Yes, its been snowy and slushy, but not how I remember it being last year around this time. I haven't even seen the snow-plow parade yet.
Yesterday I was going to do a photo shoot of the Anchor/Cradle at school, but the the new snow fall was so ideal (this was the beginning of what was 3.5" by the end of the day). So I carried it over to Parc Jarry in the morning before class and found the perfect tree in the perfect spot. It was easier than I expected to get it tied up on that branch. I would have really liked to leave it there for a day or so, but I was afraid it might get stolen or taken down by the city and I need it for an upcoming show, so..... it was a temporary installation; long enough to get some good (higher quality) shots with the new camera.
Over these past few months I've been taking my Anchor/Cradle around the city with me. Yep, on the metro too. It has been part of healing process of sorts, where while I carry it I do some personal processing. Since the Anchor/Cradle is so large and awkward the act of carrying it reminds me to stay focused on the task at hand which is to be continuously introspective (and not to run into anyone (literally)! Which I have. twice.) This is vague I know, partly because it is perhaps too personal and partly because I am still deciding what it means and where it is going. What I do know is that it has begun to make me kind of sad, so I'm putting the project on hold for a little while. Maybe in a few months I will want to pick it up again. For now the Anchor/Cradle sits on my porch where it will soon be consumed by Montreal's winter. Some rusting should occur on the fabric which I like. The working title for this project is Fragments of an Anchor/Cradle. Above is some video documentation of one of my walks. Thanks for stopping by this space :) Janna  Anchor/Cradle When an anchor doesn't do its job, it may take on another. Sometimes you can expect things from, and be disappointed by the people closest to you, neglecting to acknowledge the gifts they have offered you. Conversely you may perceive that you have nothing to offer, failing to recognize what you have already given.  Anchor/Cradle is a sculpture that I completed in March. It was possibly the most enjoyable piece that I made all year; somehow I was able to complete each step without deciding what the next step would be. So, the process was very contemplative and relaxing. The fabric began as yardage printed with family lines. I then tore it in one continuous strip and bundled it. I contemplated leaving it as a bundle since I loved it so much. I also considered creating a large rosary with the fabric strips but wasn't super happy with the result. So the remainder of the bundle was woven into my welded anchor/cradle structure, with the rosary knots left to hang from the finished sculpture. The metal structure manifested itself in a matter of days. Since I had scrap metal in my locker from a previous project it came together quickly (thank you Concordia for having an amazing welding studio!).
In making this piece I learned that I do not need to know what will happen next in the creative process; to let go of control. Somehow the materials always seem know what to do. The sculpture is about 68 inches wide, 23 inches deep and 23 inches high, not including the neck |
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