Susan Farquhar

If Canadian imagery can be seen as an expression of the experience of where we live then I would suggest that it is ever changing and multi-dimensional. We are always engaged in its collective. In my view we each visualize our experience in a more multi-layered and unique manner.

Landmade Imagining is my endeavour into searching out Canadian imagery laid bare. “Visualizing the experience” required exploring new ways of working which lead to two series of monoprints: “Boreal Scratch Monoprints” followed by “Landmade Monoprints”. They became the genesis for the unique mixed media panels. The monoprints were done over a four years. I worked back and forth between the panels and the prints.

Visual memories multiply constantly and so can provide many possibilities when accessed. My working process is always an attempt to allow openness to the wellspring of memory. My so-called “finished” work is more an indication of where I was mentally and emotionally at that moment. Process is everything to me. I have been a printmaker for a long time, well in the habit of building in layers and bringing disparate elements together to create an image that always seems ready to change again.

Finally may I say that I believe that I am trying to recreate the “environment” or the “land” as an animate player and the images focused within as symbols that are sometimes working with it and sometimes not.

Susan wishes to thank John Macfie for allowing her to draw from the many photos he took while working in the Patricia District of Northern Ontario in the 1950’s.