In the realm of artistic expression, it's not uncommon for artists to take a hiatus, stepping away from their creative pursuits to explore other avenues of life. But for Estevan artist Amber Andersen, a nearly 20-year hiatus from her solo art displays is a testament to the power of perseverance and the joy of returning to one's roots. With her recent exhibits in Weyburn, Andersen is not just showcasing her artistic prowess but also offering a thought-provoking commentary on our relationship with nature, leisure, and technology.
A Return to Art
Andersen's journey back to the art world is a fascinating one. After a career in art gallery administration, including her time at the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum, she found herself in a new role focused on leisure with Southeast District - Sport, Culture and Recreation. It was during this period that she began to rekindle her passion for art, participating in group shows that toured through the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils, with her most recent showing in 2013. However, her first solo show since around 2008 is a significant milestone, marking a return to her artistic roots.
Touch Grass: A Play on Words
One of Andersen's exhibits, titled "Touch Grass," is a clever play on words. Born out of a snarky internet phrase, "touch grass" is a way of telling someone to calm down by suggesting they get some fresh air and connect with nature. But Andersen sees a shift in the meaning of this phrase, one that reflects our increasingly digital world. "I feel that the phrase has changed, and it’s a little bit more gentle and soft, because I think in an increasingly digital world, it is important to have those experiences grounded in reality and to step away from your screens," she says.
Grounded: An Outdoor Installation
Andersen's "Grounded" exhibit, located in Jubilee Park, is an outdoor installation that invites viewers to consider how they experience and relate to the world around them. Using wallpaper, craft-based processes, and cyanotypes (a form of printmaking that uses photo-sensitive emulsion), Andersen creates a beautiful shade of cobalt blue from a photo of a patch of grass. "I’m actually going outside and using a medium that was dependent on the environment," she notes, emphasizing the importance of experiencing nature firsthand.
The Power of Nature
The message of "Grounded" is simple yet profound: the best way to experience nature is to be outside. It's a play-specific installation that invites viewers to reflect on how they construct spaces and how they relate to the world around them. "I want people to think about how they experience nature and leisure time, and how they are experiencing each other, but increasingly through screens, our domestic spaces, and digital technologies," Andersen explains.
A New Perspective
Andersen's exhibits offer a fresh perspective on our relationship with nature and technology. By stepping away from her administrative role and returning to her art, she has created a body of work that is both personal and universally relatable. "I think it's important to have those experiences grounded in reality and to step away from your screens," she says. "In an increasingly digital world, we need to remind ourselves of the beauty and importance of the natural world."
Looking Ahead
As Andersen continues to explore her artistic vision, she is eager to see how her work will evolve. "I'm excited to see where my art takes me next," she says. "I hope that my work continues to inspire people to connect with nature and to find balance in their lives."
In my opinion, Andersen's exhibits are a powerful reminder of the importance of creativity and self-expression. Her return to art after a long hiatus is a testament to the transformative power of art, and her commentary on our relationship with nature and technology is both thought-provoking and inspiring. As she continues to explore her artistic vision, I can't wait to see what new and exciting work she creates.
