andrea bird & daniel beirne: InterPLAY installation and exhibit
Propeller Centre for Visual Art, 984 Queen St. West, Toronto
May 10-20, 2007
InterPLAY: reciprocal play, action, or influence…to exert influence on each other… that was the definition we found that described the collaboration we intended. Andrea, being an encaustic and collage artist; Daniel, an environmental sculptor… where was the meeting place between the two?
Playing with themes, wax, natural elements collected on daily walks – the idea that emerged was one of wanting to share our sense of awe at the beauty of nature, from the rich texture of the forest floor to the sticks found on the shores of the Saugeen River. There were so many threads that, when carefully followed, led to the work seen here. Having lived and worked creatively together for more than 20 years with our two sons (a few hours outside of Toronto), we are comfortable supporting each others’ creativity. The idea of collaborating for this show grew from the desire to take this one step further. To really explore where our work and process is similar… & where is it different? How do we envision and manifest our idea of nature as a sacred place? Every step of the way, we needed to articulate our ideas, initially to our self and then to the other.
This was a journey that took us to the edge of our comfort zone & into new territory. All of the work in the show, including the work done individually, is a response to the show as a whole.
pine cone line
(gallery view)
(gallery view)
(gallery view)
(gallery view)
stillness
stillness
ripples
in situ
in situ
tree series: sentinels encaustic/collage
These two tall pines stand on the western edge of our property, and have weathered many storms, regrown new tops and continued to grow...standing watch over us.
tree series: alone...? encaustic/roots/metallic leaf/stones/photocopy transfer on wood
A meditation on aloneness and connection. This tree stands alone, but is so very connected to the earth, the sky, the trees nearby, and me - the observer. This is a place where I would stop and rest when out skiing last winter.
tree series: echoing encaustic/sand/ash/carbon paper/photocopy transfer on wood
The two trees are the same, but also treated very differently. Here I was experimenting with positive and negative images and also with a very limited colour palette.
tree series: playing with boudaries encaustic/roots/seeds/metallic leaf/photocopy transfer on wood
This hedgerow divides two fields and often is a destination on walks. There is such diversity in this thin line of growth...and it bridges the distance between the tamarak on one end and the ancient, twisted maple on the other.
tree series: rooted encaustic/roots/sand/metallic leaf/photocopy transfer on wood
Two trees growing together have their branches intertwined and each other to lean on for support. There is also the mirroring in the roots, as they become one, and wrap around the stone buried below.
tree series: 100 missing inches encaustic/aluminum leaf/thorns/seeds/photocopy transfer on wood
Long story.
tree series: all that is above and beyond encaustic/metalllic leaf/organic materials/photocopy transfer on wood
This small piece was made out of four "practice" boards (for experimentation purposes during the InterPLAY show) and is part of a prayer to the sky - one of gratitude for "all that is above and beyond."
tree series: thank you, father sky encaustic/metallic leaf/organic materials/photocopy transfer on wood
A companion piece to "ALL THAT IS ABOVE AND BEYOND"... this piece was also made out of four practice boards and is part of a gratitude prayer to the sky.
