Art and ecology intertwine in a Pontiac artist's latest endeavour
Tashi Farmilo
In an ambitious fusion of art and ecology, Marie Chapet, a local artist, has launched a project that casts the natural beauty of the Pontiac region in a new light. Titled "A Herbarium Cast in the Sand of My River," the endeavour seeks to transform the region's flora into intricate jewellery pieces, employing the ancient technique of sand casting. The project, which has received a $19,900 grant from Culture Outaouais, stands as a testament to the region's artistic vitality and ecological diversity.
Chapet's inspiration for the project stems from her personal journey of discovery. Having relocated to the Pontiac region in 2020, she found herself captivated by its vast and unique ecosystem. "With every new outdoor adventure in this area, I find myself encountering new species of plants previously unknown to me," Chapet remarked. Her goal is to highlight the interconnectedness of species, including humans, and to bring attention to local knowledge regarding native species and their medicinal properties.
The grant from Culture Outaouais, part of a broader investment of $161,000 in support of artists and professional writers, will fund the research and technical aspects of the project. Chapet is eager to showcase the work of her partners and collaborators, who have provided significant support.
However, the project is not without its challenges. Sand casting, the technique Chapet intends to use for reproducing leaves, plants, and other organic materials, presents difficulties due to their delicate nature. Additionally, the unpredictable weather and natural growth patterns of the region may pose obstacles. Despite these challenges, Chapet has begun her research and consultations with specialists to outline the project and locate the specimens she intends to reproduce.
Looking ahead, Chapet has plans for a spring 2025 exhibition to showcase the resulting sculptures and jewellery. The exhibition will feature a video documenting the entire process, from gathering the species to crafting the artworks, in collaboration with videographer Tys Burger of the Elytra collective. The primary goal of the exhibition is to illustrate the intricate relationship between indigenous species within the ecosystem and their potential medicinal properties. Chapet has also partnered with Marianne Desjardins Roy from "La fée des bois Herboristerie" in Shawville, who will share her expertise on the plants she cultivates and utilises.
The financial support from Culture Outaouais for Chapet's project underscores the organisation's commitment to nurturing local talent and the artistic and cultural richness of the region. "The results of this territorial agreement reflect the creativity, cultural diversity, and artistic vitality that define our region," said a representative from Culture Outaouais. "We look forward to seeing these projects develop and be presented to the public."
With "A Herbarium Cast in the Sand of My River," Marie Chapet aims to create a captivating and educational artistic endeavour that will spotlight the natural wonders of the Pontiac region and the importance of preserving its unique ecosystem.
With notes from François Carrier, CHIP 101.9
