I was invited to create a site-specific installation in a group exhibition “Attitudes in Latitudes – Northern Wild Explores the Tropics” at Art Centre South Florida, Project 924, Miami Beach, Florida, by internationally recognized curator, Ombretta Agro. This exhibition included Winnipeg based artists and Miami based artists that investigate our connection to the landscape and the “‘creatures’ (real or invented) that inhabit it,” (Ombretta Agro). My time in Miami Beach was very inspiring and continues to impact my art practice. I explored new ecosystems, saw animals in the wild I have never seen before (dolphins, alligators, man o’ wars and stingrays), went beachcombing to collect local materials and created a new body of work in a very short period of time. I continue to think about animals that are poisonous, dangerous or ancient as a metaphor for the power of the natural world and a reminder of the days of the dinosaurs.
Thanks to Art Centre South Florida for being so welcoming, helpful and accommodating. Also thanks to the Manitoba Arts Council and Winnipeg Arts Council for their financial aid.
