2 more complete. 1 more to go until the series is complete and ready to print.

Two woodcuts  - 18x24 and 11x16 on masonite 

Lots of music and tea today. 

Exploring the textures of nature that are embodied by the skin of the ephemeral. (trees). 

After seeing my work at OCADU's Graduate Exhibition, I was asked to be a part of a two week festival (also to be one of the featured artist's for Industry Professional night) entitled Blackoutfest. The festival will occur once every year in the downtown core of Toronto, Ontario. 

An art gathering that encompasses all forms of art; painting, music, drawing, sculpture and installation, poetry, printmaking, theatre/film and material arts (just to name a few). I have never been a part of anything like this before, so naturally, at first I was apprehensive, but once ideas started to flow, I could not wait to start making something. 

My thesis work at OCAD University discussed the issues in coral reef deterioration, specifically the Great Barrier Reef's of Australia. Still being very compassionate about our underwater gardens, I thought I would continue with the concept of synthetics. The idea of engineering artificial life to fix our mistakes and to prevent coral reef systems from extinction.

What kept this festival cohesive was that everyone had to explore a question. Mine was, should we intervene? 

Should we create and integrate?


Artist Statement: 

Decayed coral reefs are the actions of human neglect. Paralyzed by the thought of loosing our submerged world, we are desperately trying to mend our ill oceanic gardens by injecting a synthetic heartbeat to revive a once aquatic eden. But will our actions be invasive and place a permanent flatline to our coral reefs, or will it aid in it's survival?

The materials used in this installation entitled, Vacancy, reflect the concept of marrying inorganic materials into an organic environment. Recycled polymer based materials form the foundation of this sculpture that supports the notion of human interaction and how our behavior, as noble as our intentions may be, can never truly be natural. 

Vacancy Recycled Polymer, Sand, Blacklight, 4'X6', 2012

Detail of Vacancy

Detail of Vacancy

The pamphlet/catalogue showcasing all the artists involved in this two week festival.

(Crappy iphoto pic) but..there I am!

Concluding: I am pleased with the results of my installation, but more importantly the show in its entirety. I met some amazing artist's who I am currently working on collaborations with, and to everyone who came, made this an experience I will never forget. 

Looking forward to next year!

A wood cut/engraving I am currently working on. 

It is almost done and ready for printing.

 New neighbors. 

This is (a rather large) family of Black and White Hornets that are currently inhabiting the south-east side of one of our sheds. 


I am absolutely in love with natural architecture lately, mostly nests of all sorts. A dwelling. A foundation. A home. 

This has inspired a new body of work, which I will post process shots of shortly.

It's Nano-Camp Cosmic Time.

Carl Wagan Bookmobile

OCADU Student Gallery – 285 Dundas Street West, Toronto

Opening Reception: Thurs. June 28th, 2012

Summer Camp / Camp Nano Workshops: 12 – 2pm

Gallery Opening: 6 – 11pm

Carl Wagon Bookmobile & Campfire: Located in the parking lot beside Butterfield Park / South side of OCAD University – 100 McCaul Street

 

COME! and learn the art of Nano-Publishing, partake in mini workshops and browse through various zines and artist multiples that students at OCAD University have been busy creating. My zine, Erectus and artist multiple, Artistic Guide to Trinity-Bellwoods will be featured in the exhibition at the OCADU Student Gallery.

Come for nano-cosmic fun, stay for smores!

Erectus

These are some process shots of a zine I am currently working on, 'Erectus' for a nano publishing class I am taking at OCAD University, in affiliation with a Montreal zine distributor.

Erectus

Melissa Cormier

Polymer Plate, Silkscreen, Ink, Seed, Recycled Paper

4X3

Artist Statement:

Erectus, Latin for Erection, gives a visual narative about the concept of fertility and growth. By the incorporation of illustrations that have subtle erotic symbolisim such as phallic and chalise representation, visually support the idea of procreation.

The idea is for the viewer to soil his/her seeds and make this earth flourish. (literally).

 

The magical and amazing 'Polly' Maker, which makes polymer plates for the Vandercook Press. 

 
 

PROCESS SHOTS

Zine Magic-Making Time

This is a zine I have been working on for the last few weeks entitled, 'Erectus' - Latin for 'Erection', plays on the idea of growth and fertility. All of the images inside the zine are drawings I created of seeds which adapt physical characteristics of the reproductive systems in both male and female.

Erectus
Polymer Plate, Silkscreen, Recycled Paper, Linen Thread and Lettuce Seeds.