Group show in Victoria, British Columbia brings Earthwatch experience to frontier of cultural change
Earthwatch Institute, Maynard, MA, 8 August 2006-What would happen if you put artists, the cultural interpreters of nature and humanity, on the cutting edge of conservation? Earthwatch Institute asked this bold question, when it sponsored selected artists on research expeditions, and the enlightened answer can be found at an art exhibit in Victoria, British Columbia.
The group show, titled "Beneath the Surface: Contemporary Artists Reflect on Conservation," opens on August 10 at Xchanges Gallery in Victoria, British Columbia. The exhibit includes the work of nine artists inspired by Earthwatch field research experiences in the Pacific Northwest in 2004 and 2005.
"In my artwork, I have incorporated memories of the Earthwatch expedition with images from my present environment to create a dialogue of shared histories and shared futures seen through the lens of cultural archaeology," said Jessica Demers. A sculptor from Victoria, Demers participated in an archaeology project on the banks of the Sauk River, Washington, led by Dr. Astrida Onat (BOAS, Inc.). "I am grateful to the Earthwatch Institute for creating this opportunity for artists and archaeologists to work together in pursuit of shared understanding of the past in order to create a positive future."
The artists participated in Earthwatch's Pacific Northwest Conservation Research Initiative with support from the Ford Motor Company Foundation. For two weeks the artists worked alongside volunteers and professional scientists, conducting field research, gathering data and learning the tools and methods of scientific research. Upon returning home, the artists created artworks exploring the research experience and what they had learned in the field in order to share the experience with their home communities.
Other artists represented include painters, photographers, theater artists, and those working in mixed media. At the opening on August 10 and on weekends, participating artists and guest conservation scientists will give free public lectures and slide presentations on various aspects of art-making and environmental conservation.
"Contemporary environmental art practice needs to help shift the existing, unsustainable perceptions and paradigms of human/environmental interactions," said Claudia Lorenz, a Victoria-based painter and mixed media artist. "It is not enough to simply apply aesthetics to the work of ecologists."
Earthwatch Institute is a global volunteer organization that supports scientific field research by offering members of the public unique opportunities to work alongside leading field scientists and researchers. Earthwatch's mission is to engage people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. The year 2006 marks Earthwatch's 35th anniversary.
Beneath the Surface: Contemporary Artists Reflect on Conservation will be installed at Xchanges Gallery in Victoria BC, from August 10 to 27, 2006. The artists are:
Frank Parga (NYC)-ink and graphite drawings
Mia Weinberg (Vancouver)-photo based work
Karen Rudd (Seattle)-cast glass
Scott Schuldt (Seattle)-hand-sewn beadwork and mixed media
Caroline Law (Seattle)-mixed media
Jessie Demers (Victoria)-sculpture/assemblage
Robi Smith (Victoria)-painting
Will Weigler (Victoria/Seattle)-theatre arts
Claudia Lorenz (Victoria)-painting/mixed media
Xchanges is located at:
420 William St, Victoria BC. V9A 3Y9
tel; 250-382-0442
www.xchangesgallery.org
For more information, contact Claudia Lorenz or Will Weigler atinfo@xchangesgallery,org
Press contacts:
Public Relations Director
prdirector@earthwatch.org
Earthwatch Institute
(800) 776-0188