"The shore is an ancient world, for as long as there has been an earth and sea there has been this place of the meeting of land and water” (Rachel Carson, The Edge of the Sea, p. 20).
Lately, I have been thinking a lot about borders and edges. For years, I have felt a strong desire to move beyond the Great Lakes Basin to explore the coastlines of Canada’s oceans through both scientific and artistic lenses. This was the motivation behind my application to the Gros Morne residency. Here is a paragraph from my proposaal:
The combination of deep-time geology and the coastal ecosystems at Gros Morne fascinates me. My work encourages people to slow down and pay attention to the world around them. In particular, it weaves together history, science, story and creative expression. One of the things I like about Gros Morne is that in addition to being a UNESCO site, it is a place where people have lived for generations, making their livelihoods from the ocean. It is a place of story and song. These points of intersection between human lives and the ecosystems around them are crucial to our planet’s future.
Yesterday, I found a perfect little shoreline edge right here in Woody Point. This is where my main outdoor studio will be. I brought along many different kinds of art supplies, but my focus (at least for now) will be on alternative photography methods and the interplay of this landscape with human curiosity and desires (represented by pieces of scientific laboratory glass).
You were born for this Mary! -P.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of transitional spaces like shorelines is intriguing! The lab vessel on the rocks with the enclosed reflection of the landscape is highly evocative. Makes me think about how we "view" nature, compartmentalizing it for our own purposes. Looking forward to your creative work!
ReplyDeleteYes! Thank you for that comment. That is exactly what the premise behind my lab glass photos is!
DeleteI love the laboratory glass being in that picture!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
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