The Winter Studio

The Science lab that never ends...a view inside my studio

An entire month has gone by once again. It was a productive month full of proposal writing, prototype creation and display. It was a time to gather all things: materials, research, books, and every ounce of wit that I could muster. It seems that all signs are directing me to just keep going forward in whatever increment possible. I find it very easy to sleep these days, drifting off to the sights of new 'creatures' floating above my head. I think I have created the world's scariest mobiles, but to me they are dreamy even if they are

comprised of taxidermy beasts.

The novelty of the sea never fades, nor does my love of objects. I have been experimenting with new textures while trying to be more aware of my simple palette choices. The stark nature of off white bone and shell seems right with the cast away spools of ivory wool. Just as they all complement the clean lines and minimal works that winter inspires in me.

After a big push of work and reflection, it is now time to refill myself with an infusion of culture. Jazz, classical, ballet and even sport are going to fill my mind and heart again after these very long days. I think it is a just reward for having worked myself through the holidays. Maybe my holiday is due.

Apparation

This week I did an abnormal amount of introspection as I walked the city. I walked in the middle of the night and criss crossing the streets in between jobs. I discovered fantastic places right around the corner from where I have been living for six months. I was seeking to find potential in the common, as is usual for me. Maybe focusing on the idea of strength against adversity more than usual in the past week. I made a lot of progress with both my editing and my subject selection, even a few advances in the area of style. Then what do I see through my lens, but what appears to be an apparation of a little girl. It seems to be perfectly impossible which was just what I was looking for. I think in German an apparation is 'Geistererscheinung' but I may have added a few letters, for it seems even too long for German! But no matter what you call it, it made for a wonderful four minute video where the impossible seems to come to life.

Meltdown

Still from video by Anna Peach, Newfoundland 2007

Meltdown seems to be the theme of the days here. All things are in motion, even if the motion is the slow disintegration that eventually leads to the destruction of the form. A slow shift that is barely detected as an object drifts in its own melt. Not sure if that is too much description given for a video made of melting ice created when the growlers (broken sections of icebergs) pushed ashore. Beautiful in their simplicity. Elegance found in their isolation from the environment in which they belonged. I often wallow in my own melt, but it just seems better when they do it.

Fire and Ice

(still from video by Anna Peach, 2007)

I am trying to get all things tied up in the final weeks of my residency. Just wanted to post an image from the pack ice that was pushed up into the splash pools a while back. I found the quality of light so beautiful. The ice bergs pushed in for another appearance. Reminded me that I have been too busy working outdoors and not posting any of the images.

I am writing more, thanks in part due to the encouragement that has come my way. My posts are getting short and sweet, but know that I am simply woring away at the edge of the sea. My worksites are now changing due to nesting needs. I have to smile as I write the words, but it is true. Considering the seabirds are balancing on tiny scraps of horizontal rock...they are not asking all that much, so I think I can at least back off and give them their privacy.

The Lobster men are out in the calmest of seas and the terns dance like butterflies.