Processing: AIR 2016 (part three)

"Processing: 5" / 5"x5" / mixed media / Erin Stinson 2016

The fifth piece in the processing series is a diorama created with pieces of mountain photographs I have taken in the Rockies, transferred to foam core and arranged in a shadow box.  I have had a million ideas percolating with the shadow box/diorama/photograph techniques and finally had the right venue to really start to work with it.  Our mentor artist, Alma, showed me a new way to do photo transfers that proved to be much better for my purposes and I've been running with it ever since.  I'm quite excited for some future project ideas!  I just love how experimenting can spark a whole host of new ideas and options; which is one of the main reasons I do not stick to one medium or technique.  There is such a freedom is mixing mediums and disciplines.  

In this piece, I utilized the photo transfer technique to fragment the mountain range even further, as well as the tea painting from the first two works of the series.  I loved how the natural teas complimented the natural rock from my photographs... something that wouldn't have worked quite the same if I had used watercolour or gouache.  Drawing from the first four projects, this one was yet another variation of the main theme - a similarity I can recognize from my musical background. Aren't the arts lovely, how they can weave together?   And gleaning from both of our mentor artists, Alma Louise Visscher and Kritsana Naowahkun, who create in different ways and mediums, was an incredibly enriching experience.  Being in an environment where we could watch them at work, as well as get real-time feedback and ask questions, made the entire process so organic.  The room oozed with inspiration and I know this experience will continue to fuel my practice for quite some time!  

Before I ventured into the 3-dimensional diorama, I wanted to create 2-D studies to experiment with various materials and techniques, like layering or using colour.  The possibilities are endless but revealing the image for the first time has to be the part that is the most fun! ;) 

Early next week I'll be sharing the last part of my residency work, an environmental installation that has sparked a whole new love for installation art.  And if you're in Fort McMurray, don't forget to head down to MacDonald Island to see the entire group exhibition!