Welcome. As a visual artist, my art practice examines the relationship between memory and place.
Memories: Our memories are not abstract ideas or rootless images; when you remember something, it is rooted in a unique place. You may not remember all the details, or the exact date, or where this memory occurred before or after another memory. Still, whatever you do, remember that it is linked to a unique place and a particular landscape.
Contemporary Landscapes: As we navigate the world, we encounter new landscapes constantly. Because of past experiences and memories, we are conditioned to react to a new landscape in a particular way. In my younger days, I was involved in politics and would doorknock in different neighbourhoods. My political mentor had grown up in an impoverished working-class neighbourhood. When we canvassed in challenging communities, he felt pretty comfortable and could charm the scariest people. However, when we canvassed in middle and upper-class communities, he felt very defensive and guarded. As a result, our greetings at the door were a lot less friendly. I came to believe that his negative and positive memories with folks from different incomes were associated with place and shaped his interactions with the people.
Therefore, my thesis, memories, and landscapes are interconnected.
The Goal of this project.
- A form of personal reflection. I will examine my relationship with the landscape where I grew up through art and written narrative. The Goal is purely personal, to gain a better understanding through my own experiences.
- To share the results. If you happen upon this website, which I am not actively promoting, you may find the art and text interesting. I will strive to make the art as accurate as possible without being slavish to realism. In my narratives, I will document my sources as much as possible for those readers who may wish to explore a topic further.
Thank you for dropping by. I trust you found something of interest.
Cheers. The Artist.