We are thrilled to introduce you to Clare Ross, the newest Artist-In-Residence in our Art Is Love space!
With an innovative approach to contemporary art and her deep engagement with themes of nature and human connection, Clare brings a fresh and vibrant perspective to our creative community. In this interview, we delve into Clare's artistic journey, explore her inspirations, and uncover the exciting projects she’s working on during her residency.
Join us as we gain insight into Clare’s world and discover the unique vision she is contributing to the rich creative fabric that is Quest.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background in the arts.
I think people ask this question so that they can get a sense of how accomplished the artist is or how similar an artist’s background is to their own. So, in answer, do I paint a picture that includes only the colours of accomplishment? Do I darken the shadows of injury and failure so they are visible under bright lights, or maybe simply sketch a timeline that hits the highs of good work and good fortune? I wonder, are we born artists, or are we made? Are we Everyman or a hero or a villain, or are we Outis - no one?
What specific project or body of work do you plan to focus on during your Art is Love residency?
I have brought the work of some of the earth’s greatest architects and bird’s nests, and I am taking them apart. While teasing curly roots away from shreds of bark, I see the intention and persistence of the bird. As I pull apart the construction and lay the pieces down on paper, I see a visual story which I photograph.
Once I have that story recorded in a photograph, I pick up the pieces one by one and cover them with colour or adornment. I weave the now colourful pieces together and rebuild with false purpose. I construct a thing that is not meant to hold together but is designed to shine under a spotlight and draw the viewer to it. I light it with many lights and photograph it, creating a luminous three-dimensional digital image.
On the computer, I look at the image four hundred times larger than life and digitally paint over visual blemishes. I maximize the clarity of line, value and tone, thereby reducing the distance between reality and imagination.
Ultimately, I will create a digital image that will print much larger than life on archival paper with archival inks. The artwork will make up the series “Empty Nest,” a series of largely limited edition artworks printed on archival paper with archival inks, preserved under art glass and frame.
Are there any particular themes or concepts you're interested in exploring during your time here?
Yes, and I like to think of themes and concepts as questions. When you see me take apart a bird’s nest, do you imagine what it would be like to pull a bird’s nest apart? Does that thought make you feel anything? Do you think about the dangers present in nature? Do you feel indignant on behalf of the bird, or do you feel indignant that birds are persistently nesting above your front door and soiling your welcome mat? Do you prefer nature to be reconstructed for your comfort and safety, or do you like to sleep under the stars? Are you, a human, part of nature or separate from it? And finally, after you have spent time with the deconstructed and reconstructed bird’s nests, can you view your home, your garden, your parks, and your cities through the lens of reconstruction and see it differently than you did before you came here?
What materials or techniques do you plan to experiment with or incorporate into your work during the residency?
I have found that people who see the work are interested in the deconstruction and reconstruction of nests, so that is what I will do in the space. A bird’s nest is a relatable icon loaded with symbolism. If the first thing I do is take it apart and reduce it to its parts, how does the meaning change? And if I add a foreign material to those parts – paint or threads or something else – and rebuild it, does the reconstructed symbol take on a new meaning? Does the fact that I, a human, play architect with the building blocks of one of the earth’s most accomplished architects, the bird, change the way we see the work of birds? Does it change the way we see our own habits of deconstructing and reconstructing nature?
How do you envision your work evolving or changing as a result of this residency experience?
This residency will have a significant impact on my art practice and hopefully will increase and improve my relationship with the public. I do artwork with the goal of reaching and exchanging ideas with people. I have focused on how I can reach out to people and invite them into the space. My sweetest thoughts include visitors and the opportunity to hear their ideas and passing thoughts. I have no idea what those experiences will lead to; I am open. In the past, when I have had the opportunity to work with others and listen to others, I have grown as a person and an artist.
How do you hope to engage with the local community or other artists during your time here?
I think many people like to explore from the safety of home, so I am putting videos up on my Instagram and Facebook pages as often as I can. People can comment and message me there. But more importantly, I am spending a lot of time in the beautiful studio space that Quest has created right at the front entrance of the Midland Cultural Centre so that I can meet people in person and they can explore the work in real-time and in real space. I hope that people will stop in to visit - maybe bring their phones to take pictures of the work and connect online. I love to talk with visitors, but I also leave people alone to look in peace. I have seen a lot of wonder and awe on the faces of the visitors – young and old alike. People have come in and told me their stories and today a woman brought me a bird’s nest. Another woman, an artist, came in and was fascinated by the quality of the photographic image, and we ended up exchanging stories of teaching and community. I have agreed to lead three workshops, and I have done the first one, but I found it difficult to reach people who could attend. I would love to lead a large workshop or give a talk – the challenge might be getting people in the door for a specific event.
What advice would you give to other artists considering applying for a residency program like this one?
Oh gosh, I don’t have much advice except to enjoy your journey, be brave and be authentic.
How do you see this residency contributing to your long-term artistic goals or aspirations?
This residency is of significant benefit to my goals. My ultimate goal is to create work that is good enough to be a part of a Canadian art movement that reflects our unique experience with nature and climate change in the early to mid 2000’s. Being able to spend six weeks in a public-facing art studio is a dream because I can listen to people, hear their experiences, and see how they interact with the work I am producing. This residency is helping me determine the relevancy of different aspects of my work. I am very grateful.
Beyond my own goals, I hope that people will be able to access skilled art and artists in person. This residency program gives an opportunity for the public to see the process behind the work of an artist. It tells a story about individual artists and creates a story of interaction between working artists and visitors. It gives people a place to physically connect with art and artists in real-time. These experiences can be life-changing for people of all ages. I have had children and adults who want to engage with the work and want to create work of their own. They have used their visit here to have experiences that help them take the next steps.
Finally, one of the most difficult challenges facing artists today is how they can connect with the public. Galleries have closed. Exhibition models have changed. Art Fairs are often expensive commercial ventures that are grand and impersonal. With this residency, Quest has presented a solution that is beneficial to the people of Midland and Tiny and, through social media, all of Canada. I hope Quest can continue this programme. In fact, it would be wonderful if it could expand. If the public knows it exists, is informal and is welcoming, I believe they will flock to it. It serves many important needs. Have you considered a podcast?
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