a god show – by SLAC, Southern Lakes Artists Collective
Helen O’Connor Artist Statement
Yukon Arts Centre, November 25, 2022-February 18, 2023
https://yukonartscentre.com/events/a-god-show
Barco y Cielo is made with paper I made by hand. The process of papermaking by hand 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!
Barco y Cielo is part of ‘a god show’ by SLAC, Southern Lakes Artists Collective at Yukon Arts Centre, November 25, 2022-February 18, 2023
a god show - by SLAC, Southern Lakes Artists Collective
Yukon Arts Centre, November 25, 2022-February 18, 2023
Northern Front Studio Gallery, May 2016
2D and 3D light sculpture and made with cyanotype printed handmade Kozo paper.
I use local plants, twigs, winter stems and seed pods to create the contact printed images.
Evolution of Time, Handmade Kozo paper with cyanotype printing, 4'x6'
Helen Artist Statement for Yukon Arts Centre show, Salutation
Salutation - A gesture of greeting indicating respect and affection; an act of reverence (a feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe, a subjective response to something excellent in a personal way)
This exhibition is the result of working directly in nature where its elements impact both physically in the work and on my vision. The ritual of my process, symbolism of objects, and spirituality are all guiding concepts within my work.
My goal is that the works be interconnected, creating a flow of concepts and imagery which is ultimately unified by the common medium of handmade paper.
"Sun Dance" is a suspended installation piece. The handmade paper is made Nepalese style with Kozo Mulberry fibre. The inclusions of copper wire symbol life force or prana.
The paper, shaped into the 12 postures of the sun salutation, suspend in circle around a copper spiral representing the sun.
This is a sound and film installation. Check Marten Berkman website below for info on film and artist collaboration.
An installation inspired by the charred northern boreal forest made with cast pigmented cotton handmade paper and copper wire.
Part of the 2014 exhibition, Salutation, at the Yukon Arts Centre.