Opening Reception: Thursday 24 March at 7pm
February 28, 2002 - March 24, 2002
Using wood as a cultural metaphor for nature, Paul Walde derives inspiration from found wood damaged by animals, insects and weather. This discovery is evidence of non-human interaction with the environment and indicates that humans are not the only creatures to alter a surrounding to suit. Part of a larger entropic purpose, Walde imagines these markers of change not only as evidence but also as artifacts of nature's own culture. He situates the presentation and representation of this cultural evidence in relation to human signifiers. Paint, in the role as western historical signifier, dashes across some of these works much in the same way that roads, pipelines and settlements stretch out across the Canadian landscape. These elements map and often overwhelm the subject, while other times leaving it in contrast with the savagery and unthinking, uncompassionate beauty that is nature.
Using wood as a cultural metaphor for nature, Paul Walde derives inspiration
from found wood damaged by animals, insects and weather. This discovery is
evidence of non-human interaction with the environment and indicates that
humans are not the only creatures to alter a surrounding to suit. Part of a
larger entropic purpose, Walde imagines these markers of change not only as
evidence but also as artifacts of nature's own culture. He situates the
presentation and representation of this cultural evidence in relation to human
signifiers. Paint, in the role as western historical signifier, dashes across
some of these works much in the same way that roads, pipelines and settlements
stretch out across the Canadian landscape. These elements map and often
overwhelm the subject, while other times leaving it in contrast with the
savagery and unthinking, uncompassionate beauty that is nature.
Walde's latest work entitled Northern Symphony presents stacks of hand finished beaver gnawed sticks in a gallery interior where natural markings and nature imagery are translated into wallpaper patterns and architectural friezes. A musical score performed by live DJs accompanies these visual components.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Paul Walde holds a BFA from the University of Western Ontario and
an MFA from New York University. His painting and installation work has been
exhibited extensively in Canada and the United States including Deleon White
Gallery (Toronto), Forest City Gallery (London ON), The Works Festival
(Edmonton), Salon 95 (New York) and Fire Ball Creative Arts Centre (Sault Ste
Marie). Walde is the recipient of many grants and awards from the Ontario Arts
Council and National Arts Club of New York. His work is included in public and
private collections including MacLaren Art Centre (Barrie), Bridge Systems
International (Toronto), Art Gallery of Algoma (Sault Ste. Marie) and New York
University Print Collection (New York). He is currently an instructor at the
White Mountain Academy of the Arts in Elliot Lake ON. pwalde@hotmail.com
