Clare Ross

Canadian artist Clare Ross deconstructs and reconstructs objects from nature in a unique practice that inspires conversations about beauty, the environment and our place within it.

 

Clare Ross' "Empty Nests" series begins by photographing found nests in their original state, deconstructing them into meticulous inventories of parts in a process that blends scientific taxonomy with painterly abstractions. Although the constituent materials are presented without hierarchy, the compositions have a stylistically Baroque quality. Ross then paints each element and assembles them into new nests – reconstructions that are synthetic and fantastical. The project dissects an anthropomorphic symbol of nurturing and rebirth to reveal common fragments of nature’s sheddings. Human interactions with nature often oversimplify. Not so with Ross, who prompts questions about our relationship with the natural world, highlighting its complexity and our interconnectedness.

 

Clare Ross’ recent involvement with artists in the north has led to a new series that explores Old Growth Forests, focussing on the nurturing ground that holds these forests. As well, she is developing a series called “Forest Food’ in which various plant matter (mosses, leaves, mushrooms) are constructed to resemble the indulgently appealing images of food, designed to stimulate the senses and our appetites. Here, the artist reminds us that this matter is indeed food for the forest floor, benefitting the trees and the larger ecosystems.

 

Clare Ross’ mastery is evident in her attention to colour, light and sculptural form. Printed on archival watercolour paper, with archival inks, every numbered photograph is an artefact.

 

Clare Ross is an award-winning contemporary Canadian artist with multi-faceted artistic practice of photography, sculpture, mixed media and installation works, and who has been exhibiting her work in Canada, England and France since 2008. She studied at the New England Institute of Art, and holds an Honours BA from MacMaster University in English and Drama. She is Past-president of the Ontario Society of Artists.