Windfall Lake

Artist Statement

My work explores the conceptual and literal landscapes of leisure and the outdoors. The ways in which we inhabit outdoor space for leisure intrigue me and feel rich with complexities. The aesthetic experience of existing temporarily amongst such vast and vivid beauty offers a sensory encounter for the eyes, and a flat backdrop for photographs and videos which we habitually capture, often with ourselves posing as the subject. This aestheticizing of the landscape perhaps reduces it to an object to be seen or posed with. Yet, there are visceral experiences in the outdoors which are just as present and sought after as the aesthetic – the sound of the breeze, the feeling of snow, the breaths of fresh air, etc... as well as the potential dangers of inhabiting outdoor space. This dual
experience of the aesthetic and the visceral interests me. It also leads me to ask questions as to what it is that we are seeking when we go outdoors for leisure. What needs or desires does this fulfill? How does it contribute to connectedness
with ourselves, each other and the greater ecosystem? Is there a transcendental aspect to being outdoors? What are the consequences of outdoor leisure on our communities and the ecosystem that we live in?