“Our tendencies form the cartographies of our lives. Our prevailing inclinations are as natural to us as the growth of lichens or the organization of stars. They are intrinsic as well as habitual, and drive us magnetically in certain directions, sometimes even moving us in ways we wish they would not. This piece maps paths of tendencies both innate and within our power to change, interconnected, essential, vulnerable and transformative. Stitches placed into birch bark signify growth as well as hinting at the earthy places we seek out in the natural world; birchbark is physical evidence of ‘terroir’ in the life of the trees that provide it as well as suggesting the sites and locations from which we originate. Most importantly, my constel/lichen pieces seek to emphasize that humans and nature are not separate from one another; we share everything and our fates are intertwined.”

“I associate Prosecco with a special event and happiness. I get excited with the experience of opening a bottle: the sound of the pop with the release of the cork; noticing the colour of the liquid as it’s being poured into a flute; seeing the effervescent bubbles dance to the top of the glass; how the bubbles tickle my nose as I sniff the aroma; clinking glasses, the cold crisp fruity taste and the euphoric feeling from sipping it.

Much like opening a bottle of sparkling wine, this art project of collaborating with other artists and vintners for the Pairings Exhibition evoked a sense of joy and anticipated excitement. Comparably, the actions involved in creating art from start to finish involves using our senses, responding to every motion and emotion. This painting is a celebration of community with other artists and art enthusiasts. ”

“There are few things more intoxicating than the natural world. This piece speaks to ways we may become intoxicated and exhilarated without losing ourselves, or numbing ourselves, on the paths and detours of life. Taking visual inspiration from the bubbly shapes in Sheryl Fisher’s ‘Prosecco’ and the idea of collage, I chose to begin my interpretation with found rusty metal circles and to use embroidery and birch to focus my piece on the intoxicating natural pleasures around us. Experiencing life while wholeheartedly feeling every moment is an exquisite joy and privilege. Our environment and its natural spaces are quiet exemplars of this kind of radical presence. The combination of birch, ink and rusty found objects in ‘intoxicating’ relates to the embeddedness of humanity within nature. We are inextricably woven into our world, and the discarded objects in my artwork hint at ways we might be better guardians of the beauty around us.”

“Tanya Fenkell’s tactile and immersive work conveys a profound connection to nature. There is a cyclical rhythm with the undulating surface, stitched and dotted pathways, organic shapes, flowing and rigid lines, serene colours, blooming and deteriorating configurations that mimic the essence of precious time in our environment. This piece takes me on a spiritual walk through the forest where I skim my fingers along the trunk of a tree; rub the soft moss on a rock; investigate the puzzling shapes and colours of mushrooms; listen to bird/frog songs, feel and breathe in the fresh air.

By imitating the materials and calm earthy palette in my own work, I’m extending the sensory experience and intrigue Tanya initiates, prompting deeper contemplation of our world.”