Sackville Waterfowl Park, 2023

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A view from the award-winning Sackville Waterfowl Park. Artist Statement: My paintings are inspired by my relationship with the natural landscape of the Atlantic region. I am new to New Brunswick and since arriving here I have been struck by the beauty of the landscape and the quiet pride its residents hold for this place. My work is characterized by high saturation, bold contrast and simplified forms. There is also a transparent quality to areas of my paintings that speaks to the fleeting nature of memories, feelings and moments in time. I like to play with the interpretation of the colours present in a scene to explore how colour can be used to express wellness, and I influence the style and form to express the fading nature of emotion and memory. I am particularly interested in how one’s physical experiences within their environment contributes to one’s psychological well-being. I believe that we can find better physical and mental health by spending time in nature. Connecting to our physical landscape can help with anxiety, depression, and increase one’s sense of meaning and purpose in life. Bringing this philosophy about nature into my art has led to my current body of work. Since moving to New Brunswick, I found that my feelings of home had been challenged, and in seeking feelings of safety and comfort, I sought a sense of belonging to this physical place. I created this series of paintings as a way to connect to my current surroundings, to express my fascination with the landscape, and accentuate how colour and form can evoke emotions. The paintings reflect not just the actual visual sense of the scenery, but the combination of colour and light that provokes a sensation of wellness within me. It is a depiction of what I have stored away - a carefully curated memory.

Where it's been: Open Spaces Exhibition - Centre des arts et de la culture de Dieppe