In the past fifteen years wildfires, specifically forest fires have increased in frequency
and severity in the Western US.
As an Oregonian, I have lived through this time of decreased rainfall and increased
temperatures, leading to drier soils, grasses and forest materials.
The vast forests of the PNW are valuable global oxygen producers, and stabilizing
islands of temperature regulation. They are beloved and important.
We are in a “slow boil” as this pattern of fires repeats, expanding each year. Everyone
is affected, especially by the oppressive smoke and poor air quality.
One can suffer hundreds of miles away from the fire.
As the fires occur regularly, we go on with our lives, unable to individually make a
difference.
I began this series during my artist residency at Pine Meadow Ranch, Sisters Oregon
in May 22.
Having the opportunity to work at Studio 6000, a print studio, inspired me to create
this Toile Wallpaper series about our relationship with nature (mostly forested parks,
of which are many in the PNW.)
These places are our playgrounds and proximal places to connect with Nature!
Using printmaking processes, hand cut stencils for positive and negative printing,
and hand painting details, I created these 4 panels to communicate my thoughts.
Also, I manipulated the stencil positives remembering my experience with stop
motion animation.
The "figures" entered the scene and moved through or disappeared depending on
the environment.
All the same figures-character-elements were used in each scene - reinforcing the
notion that it is the environment that is changing - not the "players."
Currently I am searching for grant funding to complete this project. Translation into
"wallpaper" is expensive - but I am committed to having it done by my show in
November 2022, at Lower Columbia College in Longview Washington.
"We come to the forest" - 22"x 30" printing on paper
"The devastation of the fire" - 22"x 30" printing on paper
"The regeneration," 22"x 30" printing on paper
Wondering about a "Tableau" in my November show.
plan created on photoshop
actual installation !
