Propeller Member Since 2012
Sharron Corrigan Forrest has been interested in a visual exploration of various locations that have strikingly powerful landforms. Some are seldom visited areas within the Canadian Shield including the quiet beauty of the Agawa Canyon. This region is close to the lumber mill town where she lived her formative years; a place that has changed little since her childhood. Other influences include her travels along the rugged coastline of Newfoundland and in western Canada; the peaks, ranges and valleys of the Rocky Mountains. Alternative sources include tours to the mountains in Nikko National Park, located in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the most breathtaking natural terrains with temples, shrines and bridges that work in harmony with the beautiful scenery. Another place of travel is in Taiwan; along the gorge of the Tianxiang river terrace in beautiful Taroko National Park. Nature was always present from the multi-hued mountains to the beautiful trees and lichen covered marble walls.
The basic concept of Forrest’s artwork invariably remains with her impressions of nature. What at first appeared to be intangible and often very complex vistas, eventually led her to the careful examination into the patterns that are found in these natural worlds. Worlds that are visible and invisible at the same time. They are images of connecting past and present reworked within a labyrinth of textures. The work is an expression of the beauty and complexity of the designs found in the diverse habitats; the play of light at different times of the day and season and the traces of the ecological history of each location. Transformation of the original source and the distillation of design offer her endless possibilities. Shape and structure are important components in the layering process with the ephemeral play of light and shadow bringing unusual aspects to each piece. It is a mixing of different elements: traditional materials and processes and an integration of computer technologies that include mixed media illustrations and paintings, paper relief and 3D sculptures, and hand-cut and laser die cut designs using a variety of surfaces.
