Our changing ocean and climate is the most urgent problem facing humanity today
Date/Time: Mar 1 2018, 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Surrey, Surrey Arts Centre | Event calendarCost: Free
Join visual artists Erica Grimm and Tracie Stewart, along with sound artist Sheinagh Anderson, in an illustrated artist’s talk and guided sound circle that weaves analogies between human bodies and the ocean.
Salt Water Skin Boats is an immersive, large-scale installation and experimental soundscape. Based on ancient water-going vessels called coracles, the artists created sculptures woven with willow, dogwood, cedar, and fig, skinned with underwater ocean maps, wax, animal skin and gut, and animated by a haunting soundscape. Tracie says, “The boats eerily look like human skin—our veins resemble waterways.”
Tracie, Erica, and Sheinagh will talk about the process of developing the exhibition that is currently on display at The Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford and White Rock Museum and Archives.
Then the artists will invite participants into a guided sound circle, creating an ocean soundscape using only human voices. Sheinagh says, “Human voices will mimic the sounds of the ocean waters and the creatures that live within its depths. The idea is that together we can create a connection with the ocean and, with our own voices, sing the ocean’s song.”
There will be time for questions and conversation during and following the talk. Refreshments are provided. This event is presented by the Surrey Art Gallery Association in partnership with Surrey Art Gallery, and with support from the Arts Council of Surrey.
About the Artists
Erica Grimm
Erica Grimm’s material practice is rooted in embodiment and is fueled by environmental urgency. She is a Canada Council and SSHRC grant holder, and is associate professor in the School of the Arts, Media + Culture at Trinity Western University.
Sheinagh Anderson
Sheinagh Anderson is a transdisciplinary sound artist, researcher and educator of contemplative arts, specializing in voice, performance, installation, and studio production. Sheinagh is also a soundscape composer and designer for theatre, video, and art galleries. Currently a PhD candidate at Simon Fraser University researching Listening and Sounding as Awareness Practices, Sheinagh is a Canada Council grant holder and former singer of Cirque du Soleil, whose voice art is featured on several Jessie award-winning productions with composer Dr. Patrick Pennefather.
Tracie Stewart
Having received international training as an artist and arborist, Tracie Stewart resides in the Fraser Valley. Eco-sustaining knowledge informs her socially engaged artmaking practice. Questions arise daily over food security, pollinator collapse, climate/ocean change, and the connectivity of all, fueling her efforts to raise social awareness. Her art has been exhibited internationally.
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