EXHIBIT AT GOODWIN HOUSE IN ALEXANDRIA FOR SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER, 2021
Sanctuary: Nature as Contemplative Space
This series of work is inspired by the connection I feel in nature and the sense of wonder and surprise I find walking and observing familiar natural spaces. Time spent walking, observing and just being in nature is central to my artistic practice. Huntley Meadows Park, Little Hunting Creek and the Potomac River are common subjects because of the accessibility to my home. My familiarity with these natural areas and my ability to observe seasonal changes in textures, light and colors draw me back again and again.
I take photos to capture what I observe on walks. It is the slower collage process that allows me to savor and celebrate what I see. I select a collage subject from my photos based on contrast and depth. I begin with layering collage paper, inspired by color and light in the photo. The translucent quality of mulberry paper allows me to layer and mix colors. The fibers embedded in the paper add a sense of texture and, as I apply acrylic medium over each layer, I get a sense of painting with paper as the torn edges blend and form shapes. I then apply a gray-scaled photo transfer using a simple laser print process on top of the collage. The photo adds a new layer and element of surprise when I see how the black and white image interacts with the initial layer of color. This invites conversation between the visual elements as I go back and add more collage on top of the image to complete the piece. Each collage is framed with a simple handmade poplar frame and finished with beeswax.
The collages evolve much like the landscape through the seasons. As I add new layers, an image’s emphasis shifts in a way that mirrors the changes in light, color, and new growth in the natural scenery. The act of creating is a way for me to savor, celebrate and share what I see.
I take photos to capture what I observe on walks. It is the slower collage process that allows me to savor and celebrate what I see. I select a collage subject from my photos based on contrast and depth. I begin with layering collage paper, inspired by color and light in the photo. The translucent quality of mulberry paper allows me to layer and mix colors. The fibers embedded in the paper add a sense of texture and, as I apply acrylic medium over each layer, I get a sense of painting with paper as the torn edges blend and form shapes. I then apply a gray-scaled photo transfer using a simple laser print process on top of the collage. The photo adds a new layer and element of surprise when I see how the black and white image interacts with the initial layer of color. This invites conversation between the visual elements as I go back and add more collage on top of the image to complete the piece. Each collage is framed with a simple handmade poplar frame and finished with beeswax.
The collages evolve much like the landscape through the seasons. As I add new layers, an image’s emphasis shifts in a way that mirrors the changes in light, color, and new growth in the natural scenery. The act of creating is a way for me to savor, celebrate and share what I see.
When we truly listen to the call of the seasons of the day and the year, our listening is transformed into what many people call prayer.
-Macrina Wiederkehr
-Macrina Wiederkehr
In 2020, as we all moved our focus closer to home, my sense of sanctuary in nature shifted closer to home as well. Eco-theologian, Mary DeJong, offered the phrase, “sanctuary at home” as an alternative to “shelter at home,” inviting a greater sense of contemplative quiet as we remained home during the pandemic. This idea resonated with a shift in my own practice and an increase in time and attention to my yard, garden, and the forest behind my home.
The base of one large oak tree became my daily sanctuary visit, a chance to observe animals, plants, insects, as well as shifting light, color, and foliage with the changing seasons. Many of the tree portraits here are of this one tree. Returning to this one spot has helped me to ground myself and to feel a greater sense of place, connection, and presence amid uncertain times.
The base of one large oak tree became my daily sanctuary visit, a chance to observe animals, plants, insects, as well as shifting light, color, and foliage with the changing seasons. Many of the tree portraits here are of this one tree. Returning to this one spot has helped me to ground myself and to feel a greater sense of place, connection, and presence amid uncertain times.
Mother Trees: Honoring Inspiration from Contemplative Voices
I began a series of papercuts in the fall of 2019, exploring a new medium and seeking to combine image and text and to honor voices of women who inspire my own practices of finding contemplative quiet in nature.
During the pandemic time at home, reading of others’ experiences offered rich companionship for my mostly solo outings. Many of these voices are celebrated here in cut paper mandala designs.
In April of 2020, I created screen printed prayer flags to display in my front yard to share art with neighbors and friends as we kept close to home. I am glad for the opportunity now to share a few pieces from this series. I hope that these voices will offer moments of peace and pause to viewers as they have for me.
During the pandemic time at home, reading of others’ experiences offered rich companionship for my mostly solo outings. Many of these voices are celebrated here in cut paper mandala designs.
In April of 2020, I created screen printed prayer flags to display in my front yard to share art with neighbors and friends as we kept close to home. I am glad for the opportunity now to share a few pieces from this series. I hope that these voices will offer moments of peace and pause to viewers as they have for me.