Shifting baselines
Nature shapes blending into each other in this wood sculpture
Experiences from my close nature in dialogue with a site specific work
Academic question: How can an exploratory and creative process driven by local nature become an artistic dialogue with a site-specific memorial?
This work I made as an artistic conversation with the memorial "Plankbærarn" in Hommelvik, representing the identity of my home town through a bronze statue that honors the industrial history of the place. I have added something new and different: a wavy plank made of many small shapes inspired by pine bark. Technically it is shapes cut out from 3mm wood veneer boards, glued together to form a sculpture. Laying this on top of the old memorial, the new “plank”stands in contrast to the straight, heavy plank in the statue, and invites new thoughts and views on the familiar. A new plank in conversation with the old? Creative explorations with natural materials such as twig lichen, leaves and pine bark from the local area have allowed the senses and curiosity to take control. Through playing with light, shadow and form - both by hand and digitally - the idea grew: a light, organic plank, built up of many small parts.
The work may arouse curiosity, or resistance. When we encounter art in public space, we often do so without prior knowledge. That is precisely why I want to create a work that both challenges and builds on the history of the place - from someone who comes from here. The material wood was deliberately chosen - it was the basis for Hommelvik's growth and identity. At the same time, I have used modern digital tools, such as a laser cutter and drawing program, to shape and develop the idea. It is a mixture of old and new, nature and technology - just as the place is also changing. Where the old plank in the statue is straight and unchanging, my plank is in motion - just like nature and life around us. The shapes and spaces of the pine bark symbolize generations and identity, with their different "normals", or baselines. The work is a tribute to diversity and change, and at the same time a desire to preserve what gives us belonging. What do you think a place-based memorial for your hometown should contain, if both the old and the new are to merge?