Window Wirling

Sara Girletz

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(b. 1989, ACAD Grad Year - 2011)

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WINDOW WIRLING; 2011

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oil slick, graphite, acrylic paint, various papers on masonite support

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60 x 80 in. (152.4 x 203.2 cm)

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ARTIST STATEMENT

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The ultimate origin of my work is in my photography. Through my camera lens I re-examine the minimal beauty that makes up the Alberta prairie. Dilapidated buildings are my source of imagery. Over time they become a type of beautiful debris that finds itself amidst the prairie landscape. They fit in, but at the same time they are synonymous with a longing for their own place.

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I am very aware of my habitual surroundings. The shape and scale of this piece was inspired by a full length window in my current place of residence. Using a window of such grand size was effective for formal aspects, as well as creating a relationship that made me feel physically involved in the work. The use of text is meant to be read as an abstracted representation of landscape. It is chaotic, unreadable and portrays a visual scramble in which everything is trying to find its place. In the middle of the making it, I realized it was becoming a self portrait because the gesture contained within the text was exactly in proportion to my own height. The end result was me creating a direct connection between myself and the lone buildings that stay situated on the rugged prairie terrain.