project 3: unmonumental

Sarah's World, 2021

In my photographic practice I often create tableaux, placing organic materials alongside objects that are human manufactured. This contrast of organic matter and industrial manmade materials is compelling to me both texturally and because of the different rates at which these items decompose.

When I think of a landfill or of our oceans filled with micro-plastics, it causes me to have feelings of anxiety. While I make changes in my life on a regular basis to become more sustainable, my climate anxiety continues to consume me. Furthermore, this anxiety becomes more apparent at an age where having a family is a consideration. Bringing another human into our precarious world as we currently experience a sixth mass extinction event, is a challenging thought.

While creating this ephemeral sculpture I took pleasure in considering how these organic and non-organic items began to support each other structurally. This consideration became a metaphor for the world in which we live, a world driven by a capitalist system which continues to manufacture goods at the same rate that we throw them in the garbage. Just like this sculpture won't last, neither will those cheaply manufactured items. Then I began to question: how can we turn such a negative cycle into a positive one? How can we take all the junk we have created and turn it into something that supports us into our future? How can we take what we have collected and repurpose it to make something functional, practical? Can we process our anxieties by creating a work of art that we can enjoy, even if just for a few days?

Art becomes an important tool here. It helps the individual who creates it (me) to work through thoughts, ideas, or anxieties, while it also challenges the viewer. As someone experiencing this work, what comes to mind?

The title of the work is slightly tongue-in-cheek, referencing my artistic world & vision, as well as my all consuming world of anxiety.

PLUS, my world is your world... think about it.

ARTIST REFERENCES & INSPIRATION:

Initially, I had hoped to create a series of land art sculptures, working with objects from the environment as well as objects I would bring with me. However due to some failed trial and error as well as poor weather conditions I decided to make something indoors with materials I had around the house. I also would like to wait to work with the land in a place that is more local to me, my parents land in Newfoundland would be ideal as I grew up there and have a strong connection with that location.

I collect random objects (particularly plastics) so that I can repurpose them in my work: I LOVE the way plastic photographs and I HATE to see it go in the garbage. Additionally, I am predominantly a still life photographer, so working with fruits and flowers comes naturally.

I was really inspired by Ana Mendieta's work. While it is very different from this piece, it inspired my original idea and I intend to make work on land in the future, potentially next semester.

Another artist reference that has come up a few times from different profs is Michelle Bui. I didn't know much about her, but I can see similarities in our practices after doing some research. It is also really cool how she mixes photography and sculpture in her practice.