[The New Regular] Darin Squire: Connexion ARC Isolation Projects
Contemporary artist Carolyn Saunders created small pinch pots for her project, Dirt Vessels, using raw clay and dirt. (Submitted by Carolyn Saunders)
In a response to the new social directive due to COVID-19, Connexion Artist-Run Centre (Connexion ARC) executed Isolation Projects, a series of self-driven, socially isolated yet connected digital residencies.
“The Isolation Project was developed as a response to wanting to give our members and the community opportunities to continue engaging and exhibiting contemporary art in spite of the recent restrictions on seeing art,” said Gillian Dykeman, the Interim Director of Connexion ARC.
A grant from the Sheila Hugh MacKay Foundation allowed Connexion ARC to implement this program and pay Canadian Artists' Representation (CARFAC) artist fees. The foundation wanted to provide funding to organizations that were responding to COVID-19 and continuing to exhibit work in ways that were accessible, said Gillian.
Connexion ARC selected three projects for its first term by Ralph Simpson, Carolyn Saunders, and Sabine LeBel and Alison Taylor.
Ralph, a former forest research biologist who’s now a well-known Fredericton wood fibre artist, created an installation piece called Cedar Watch. It uses willow branches for the outline of a giant eye and juncus to create the iris, which he painted to represent the earth. The piece is interwoven between the 100-year old trees that line his property and offered as public art.
Ralph feels COVID-19 is the result of the destruction humans are doing to the earth, and the trees know we are responsible for the state of the earth and are watching us.
Ralph Simpson’s piece, Cedar Watch. (Submitted by Ralph Simpson)
“I believe that what we're doing to the environment is in direct relation to COVID-19 ...I wanted this piece to represent that the trees are aware of what we are doing and that it is affecting the earth.”
Carolyn Saunders’ project, Dirt Vessels. (Submitted by Carolyn Saunders)
Contemporary artist Carolyn Saunders created small pinch pots for her project, Dirt Vessels, using raw clay and dirt.
She had no pre-set desired outcome when she began the project. She allowed the material to speak and give direction on what it would become, rather than force it into a specific shape that would usually be followed by using a kiln.
“I loved the idea of doing a material-based exploration project instead of a results-driven one,” said Carolyn.
“Taking the time to work with a material in its raw state and let the fragility of nature take over has left me with a better understanding of how truly connected we are to this planet.”
Visual artists Sabine LeBel and Alison Taylor did a social media takeover for their residency. Their Isolation Project, entitled Queer Environmental Futures, lasted for 10 days. They posted one thematic prompt per day and invited the public to respond in any form they wanted. Responses included collages, poems, paintings and even dance.
“We thought it would be nice to have this visible art practice happening when so many people are feeling isolated from their community due to COVID-19,” said Sabine.
Connexion ARC is accepting proposals for digital residences on an ongoing basis. Visit their website for more information.
Darin Squire is a freelance writer, storyteller, poet, cat dad, and traveler. Currently working on his BA in English and Creative Writing at The University of New Brunswick, Darin is happily spending his summer as an intern writer for CreatedHere. Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Darin currently lives in Fredericton, New Brunswick. His perspective as a “Come From Away” writer gives us new insight on the place we call home.