Roberta Pyx Sutherland

Link to BIO

Born and raised on the west coast of Canada
Attended Emily Carr with a BFA(Hon) from University of Victoria
Trained in printmaking in the U.K.
Painting residencies at the Banff Centre
Collected by Canada Council and public galleries

STATEMENT

These pieces seek to engage the global perspective and broad view of landscape inspired by satellite imagery. I examine the tradition of map making as a way to commodify and abstract nature. Cartography affects my use of pattern, colour and methods of division. The divided segments, borders and boundaries are often bands of gold leaf, encapsulating lakes and rivers (symbolizing water as a precious, contentious commodity).

The surfaces have gestural calligraphic marks inspired by natural pattern to emphasize the interrelated nature of the microscopic and macroscopic world. The sense of scale is intentionally ambiguous. All of the work combines layers of recycled materials into deeply textured collages.

My inspiration is the grandeur of landform and its perpetual evolution. My work contrasts the contemporary dilemma of exploitation versus sustainability.

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