I've been busy this week creating these two pieces for the 'Sandpoint Transitions Initiative' to be exhibited this evening (Friday, November 14) at Stage Right Cellars. I was asked to participate in this event because my artwork consists of mostly recycled and reclaimed materials. The Transitions Initiative aims to transform Sandpoint into a sustainable community through a network of actions and implementations.
As an artist, I feel it is my responsibility to create images that invoke positive emotions in my viewers. My intention is that this work will inspire people to ignite their own abilities, talents, and skills; finding unique qualities that can be shared with our greater community in this time of transition.
Working with the theme of community was new and challenging for me, but felt like something that needed to come out of me. Being a third generation native of the town of Sandpoint has given me unique perspective of the changes underway. I want to embrace the changes while keeping a keen eye on the road ahead. Like this tree, I feel rooted in our landscape and in the lives of the people around me. This grounded strength allows me to reach tendrils outward; sharing, giving and connecting to those around me. The small hands are those of my daughter's, from a pea pod she grew in our backyard. The image symbolizes one simple way we can instigate change; by growing more of our own food. It also represents the idea that we hold our solutions in our own hands, with an underlying sense of the immense work that we must come together to do.
I am constantly in the process of gathering materials, much like a bird gathering supplies for her nest. The Clark Fork Delta driftwood yard has provided me with the bases for most of my current work. The Tree collage base is salvaged from an old five panel door. Tidbits and scraps have been collected over time from thrift shops, junk piles, and yard sales. All photographs within the artwork are taken by Woods Wheatcroft.
