About a god show:
This exhibition grew out of a SLAC gathering in summer 2019 when a large part of the meeting had been focused on worldly problems and the seemingly inadequate governmental and societal responses. However, on reflection, no one had mentioned a spiritual perspective or solution. This realization sparked the idea to reflect on “God/god” for an exhibition.
While for some spiritual beliefs are the central operative tenet of their lives for others the word ‘god’ and the church were the problem and not a solution. Many fell somewhere between those poles but for all the exhibition was a lens to explore their connection to something greater than themselves. Each of the artists addressed this personal subject with a diversity of materials and outlooks.
The Southern Lakes Artists Collective (SLAC) was formed during an open house at the Ted Harrison Artist Retreat. It was conceived as a result of informal conversations among artists from the Southern Lakes region that afternoon. At the core, SLAC is an artist peer network – a place to share knowledge, skills and discuss art in a critical and thoughtful manner.
Barco y Cielo from a god show – Helen O’Connor Artist Statement
Barco y Cielo is made with paper that I made and wood that I harvested. The process of hand papermaking is a transformative process that fills me with wonder. It engages both my mind, as it fills with evolving ideas, and my body, as I gather, cook, and hand beat plant fibres. The resulting paper and eventual artwork retain the essence and natural beauty of its origin. The effect of handmade paper in combination with light is spiritual.
Kozo, the fibrous plant I work with is a traditional fibre used for Japanese papermaking. The word for paper in Japanese, kami, is also their word for god. Paper can be found adorning Shinto shrines honoring kami (gods) found in nature.
When the idea of ‘god’ was posed as a theme for this show I had two images come to mind. The first, an illuminated dome, is inspired from a creation myth in the Kalevala, a collection of Finnish myths and songs.
The second, a floating magical boat. Boats can symbolize the journey in and out of life. Its form embodies the voyage of life, at once a cradle and a tomb.
On a personal level, boats remind me of my father, grandfather, and uncle who once fished the waters of Loch Derg, in their homeland, Tipperary, Ireland and of my own experience as a child, bass fishing with my father, in Muskoka, Ontario.
I would like to acknowledge the land that I gathered the spruce and willow for this project as the territory of the Carcross Tagish First Nation. For this privilege I am very thankful. As well I would like to acknowledge the mentorship of Teslin First Nation artist, Doug Smarch Jr. for guidance with harvest and structure. Gùnèłchīsh!