For five days in mid-July jennadawn and I participated as artists in Peristyle Nomade's la boite à médiation variable. We participated as members of our artist collective, SCRATCH, but sadly our third member, Lauren Osmond, couldn't join us this time 'round. In the past the three of us had planted a natural dye garden in Articule's garden and later gave a natural dyeing workshop there. For this event we proposed that people see our act of sharing knowledge (plant dyeing knowledge) as a performative art installation. We spent five days in Parc Mederic Martin in Montreal, mostly staying close to our little dye hut (as seen above). It was three days preparing natural dyes and fabric to be dyed and the last two dyeing cotton, linens and silks with marigold, onion skins, brazilwood, logwood, lavendar, pomegranate, tumeric and more. Of course I had to have an indigo vat as well, especially since it was my only chance to have one this summer. On day two we also held a fun natural dyeing and printing workshop. As part of our mandate to share we offered a pamphlet with natural dyeing directions to anyone passing through and of course to anyone who inquired about the purpose of our being at the park. There are some some pictures via the Peristyle Nomade facebook page. Today we hosted dinner. In the first picture below you can see me making crepes like a mad-woman :) Below are more photos by LePetitRusse
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Here's a peek of an new piece I installed for the first time today. It's called "Michael is this a joke?" and is based on a nightmare I had. I haven't had much time to step back and decide how I feel about the piece as a whole, so I'm only showing a snippet of the part I'm excited about so far. Maybe more soon. The speaker plays the sound of an idling diesel truck when the viewer is close enough to cast a shadow.
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. 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 I haven't had time to take pictures of the show yet, but here's some pics that some friends took at the opening. I also have a process video still to come.
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About me:
I'm a west coast Canadian gal who after completing a BFA in Fibres at Concordia University in Montreal moved to the New York metropolitan area where I am pursuing my art practice while learning the ropes of motherhood.
June 2021
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