This month I talked with Kyle Scheurmann about his art practice and its relationship to the Fairy Creek Blockades on Vancouver Island. Kyle is a committed and talented artist. He creates paintings that are both seductive in their rich colours and modern representation of the natural world. The work is a stark reminder of the degradation of the earth and the loneliness experienced in the wilderness. We discuss his experience as an Eden Grove Artist in Residence at the Fairy Creek Blockades and what that entailed. Scheurmann's painting practice foregrounds the natural world, specifically the forests in Canada. He depicts their beauty as well as his fear and sadness around its disappearance. Kyle's paintings direct our attention to the climate crisis and how deforestation contributes to this extreme event. My wish is that people become aware of the Fairy Creek Blockades from our conversation and are motivated to action. The art prompt is a great way to start this process as it is about thoughtful observation and bringing your artists skills to help better understand these complex issues.

Kyles Art Assignment:

Check out the work of Sara-Jeanne Bourget, or Andy Goldsworthy.

Part 1.

Make a non-destructive land or ecology sculpture of some kind. Something that is as easy as making a pattern using rocks or drawing in the sand or dirt. Then draw or paint the sculpture. You could document it with your phone and head back into the classroom or your home to finish it off.

Part 2.

Make a naturally derived pigment to mark make, draw, or paint with. This could be from hibiscus leaves, turmeric spice, grass, charcoal from the fire pit, berries or whatever you can think of. Think about the connections between you, the pigment, art, and the land. What connections are there between all these elements? Create a brainstorm about what connects you to the earth and use the ideas to influence your drawing or painting. Look closely at the environment you live in and how you are either working in symbiosis with the natural world or against it.

Once you have decided on the idea use your naturally derived handmade pigment to create the work.