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Yvonne Marie Forster
Artist Statement
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Over a number of years the main focus of my art practice has been inspired by ecological project based research - Through a combination of ideas and creativity and working mainly within the disciplines of mixed-media, my visual imagery reflects the unsettling impact of of human activity on Earths eco-systems. Each series going onto explore the consequential incurations that our human actions and behaviours have upon other species,habitats, flora and fauna:Natural systems we intrinsically depend on - yet are so diametrically separated from...
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Concerning our separated state of being. From the phrase coined -'the web of life,' Fritjof Capra a Visionary Sysytems Thinker said, "we have to regain our experience of connectedness with the entire web of life." I find Einsteins view also quite relevent - how culture has imposed its outmoded values, affecting our ongoing state of alienation- his pertinent response to this alienation, " to see it as a kind of optical delusion of consciousness...a kind of prison...restricting our desires,"..." our task - to free ourselves from this prison ...widen our circles of compassion to embrace all living creatures."..It seems our most inate, nature based perceptions have shifted to such an unprecedented extent - as to presently be in a phase of, an unnatural state of being - arguably it could be considered a necessity for the whole to seeking an authentic alignment a reclaimation.An evolving of a sustainable ecological civilization.
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By exploring these concepts I create work which is dynamic, vibrant, and expressive, but which also confronts through its visual representations the intrinsic sense of chaos and human alienation - derived from the human legacey of systematic dominion over the natural environment begetting further disruption of earths natural cycles, rather than harmonising and co-exsisting with our earths systems.The images invite the viewer to consider, to imagine alternative ways of being.To consider both the ramifications and causes of our present disconnect. Humans as a species- can regain connectedness. Its an individual and collaborative choice we currently have to address.
The historical impact of past outdated modes of Western value and belief systems - its then intention to control and subdugate nature. Through considering how such past ideologies have impacted our present perceptions in seeing the natural environment as 'other', illuminates both the subsequent and ongoing detrimental effects of our human alienation now. Embodying this impoverished state means, humans have greatly lost the capacity to connect and empathise with nature as a whole. The nature of human condition fettered by an insatiable appetite to consume, inadvertently has lead to further disconnection and dis-ease to seeing ourselves as part of nature. Realities we currently experience and face.
Philosopher and conservationist, Aldo Leopold stated back in the 1940's, "If we fail to re-connect with nature, nature will suffer and humanity will suffer."
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Therefore in my most current practice I'm particularly interested in researching the cumulative effects of man made pesticide pollutants ; issues surrounding ongoing exploitation of the Earths natural resources. A major part of these works consist of a series of mixed medium representations,titled, Altered Perceptions, which explore pesticide effects on flora insects and fauna. The imagery conveying the impact of biodiversity loss. My work aims to draw attention to our individualised sense of tension between (abstracted) concern and a distracted sense of powerlessness in the face of global economic effects upon planet Earth.
key questions I consider: "How can we become more accountable, reflective and aware of the strains our planet's eco-systems bear due to human activities?" and "How possible is it to imagine implementing an alternative way of sustaining the Earths natural resources from an informed, balanced perspective rather than the current unrestrained exploitation?
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Recent works, Altered Perceptions and Tropical Abstracts, are informed by the ideas in Rachel Carson's research work, The Silent Spring and George Monbiot's book, How Did We Get Into This Mess? Both authors explore the impact of human activity on the planet and wildlife species. Recently I have been particularly focused on investigating the effects of pesticides on wildlife.
George Monbiot's pertinent observation resonates, "These wounds are inflicted not only on the worlds wildlife but also on ourselves. Civilisation is but a flimsy dust sheet that we have thrown over our psyche rich in emotion and instinct shaped by the living planet."( ref - below)
Referenced quotations of Fritjof Capra and Albert Eintien inspired by Jeremey Lents Book T
The Web Of Meaning.pg 117-120
As a multi-disciplined artist I enjoy the immersive process of experimenting with a variety of techniques and mediums such as acrylic paint, watercolour, pastel, charcoal, collagraph, lino-cut prints and photography. Combining and mixing mediums encourages me to explore and move beyond my comfort zones. Developing this ongoing open approach when working with new techniques is vital to my practice, as it creates space to intuitively respond in an expressive way. The medium becoming an extension of the ideas I want to communicate and the themes am interested in exploring.
Creatively At Play!
From capturing micro detailed impressionistic representations of a flower to the immersive macro bold, expressive abstracts of a waterfall - ultimately my art is an attempt to convey a sense celebration and also a desire for a deeper connection to the natural world, through exploring and drawing on my interactions, perceptions and human experiences of nature.
Recent Gallery Exhibitions:
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Tropical Abstracts, Halesworth County Library, Suffolk, UK, 2018
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Our eARTh, Kunsthuis Contemporary Art Gallery, Craike, Yorkshire, UK, 2018 - 2019
Selected Charcoal drawing exhibition, The Cut Arts Centre, Halesworth, 2018
The Cut Open, The Cut Arts Center, Halesworth, UK, 2017/18
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Perceptions of Nature, Halesworth County Library, Suffolk, 2017
Open Art Exhibition, Halesworth Gallery, 2017
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Flourish, Espacio Gallery, Shoreditch, London, 2017.
Nature, Halesworth County Library, Suffolk, 2017
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Halesworth Gallery, 100 feet Exhibiton, 2017
Sardines and Beer in Norwich 2017.
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Natures View, Halesworth County Library, Suffolk, 2016
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Ecology and Conservation, Solo Art Exhibition, URC Church, Quay St, Suffolk, 2016
Viewing Change, Halesworth Gallery, Suffolk. UK. 2016.
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Over the last few years My work has sold in the Uk and abraod in Ireland, Sweden, Spain.
Past engagements.
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​2015-2018 I leada weekly art group in the local community through which members explored themes around their interests. Here we shared collaboratively and explored mediums, techniques and ideas. In 2017 we collaborated along side The World Land Trust, to create cards from art works. Enabling us to raise funds for a WLT Amazon appeal.The group was able to exhibit works locally over this time.
Ongoing Development.
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Researching the impact of industrialisation and pollution upon nature.
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CAVA distinction in Art and Design 2011. Lowestoft College​ Suffolk
BA (Hons) in Fine Art in 2014. Arts & Humanities, University Campus, Suffolk.
Course in pastel portraiture 2015, Wensum Lodge, Norwich.
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English Language Literature course Wensum Lodge , Norwich.
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Book Ref; Monbiot.George. pg 89, 2017, How Did We Get Into This Mess ? Verso, London, UK& Brooklyn, NY.
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