These recent paintings are based on an ongoing investigation with the relationship between the far off landscape, from outer space called a landsat, and the extreme close up view of a landscape through the exploration of minerals and rock specimens. There is a correlation between these two view points; macro (landsat) and micro (rock samples). There are striking similarities in composition, colour, line, form, texture and space. (compare Bathurst Island and Iron Stone). The way they are painted is also very similar with the start of modeling paste, to create the extreme textured relief and adhesion of inclusions of detritus and then washes of acrylic paint pooled on to the textured surface.
The views are not exactly the same in the sense that the rock samples are more pristine and mostly unaltered by man, compared to what we see from outer space. Mankind has altered and changed much of the view of our planet. Pollution, clear cutting and industrialization are evident in some of the paintings and the titles also reflect my own opinions on our “process of change.” To further this comparison I have works that are based on the overdevelopment of our land compared with paintings based on truly microscopic views of man made items like the caffeine or computer chips. Both are highly organized and very busy to the viewer. (refer to Planting Suburbs and Caffeine).
The purpose of this show is to help regain our sense of wonder and awe for the pristine land through the smaller more unaffected views of minerals and rock slabs.
Guest Author Bio
Lauren McKinley Renzetti
Born in Mississauga, Lauren grew up in the idyllic environs on the campus of Sheridan College School of Crafts and Design, surrounded by artists, teachers and craftsman. She attended Georgian College in Barrie, McMaster University in Hamilton and Ryerson University in Toronto, gaining a Combined Honours degree is Fine Art and Theatre. While at Ryerson she gained a position as a Teaching Assistant to Tony Abrams and later as an Instructor. Lauren works in the theatre and film industry on and off but finds her true calling as an art teacher (Art Gallery of Hamilton, Art Gallery of Ontario, Art Works Art School) more satisfying. Through out her whole life art making and education, has been an equal part of daily living. Moments of “Eureka” come from her daily life with her family and the students she teaches. The sense of wonder when something uncertain develops into something truly great is more than satisfying.
Lauren is interested in the daily world around her; from detritus on the street, to the daily shift of light, seeds, rocks, the skin of a lizard, the Earth viewed from space, EEG’s of our brain to things seen only under a microscope. Lauren is interested in everything so her subject matter in paint, collage and print is varied and ever changing. Lauren classifies herself as an Abstract Landscape Maximalist. Her work is textural, varied and full. Mapping out and often using the world she observes.
Blog / Website: Art With Lauren
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- Tiger’s Eye of Iron © Lauren McKinley Renzetti
- Caffeine © Lauren McKinley Renzetti
- Fluorite Slab © Lauren McKinley Renzetti
- Iron Stone © Lauren McKinley Renzetti
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