In this series, my process starts by aerially exploring the Northern Hemisphere on Google Earth and observing the frozen tundra. By focusing in on the texture of the terrain I noticed that grooves in the icy earth exhibit elaborate patterns. In Photoshop, I began to layer these grooves to create movement reminiscent of water. Each layer, like in a stream, represents different channels of movement. After creating compositions using this process of discovery I render them into paintings, with each digital layer representing a layer on the canvas. While writing about this series I realized that I discovered a natural process called supraglacial hydrology, which is the annual melt of glaciers. As the glacier runs off it creates streams depositing glacial sediments and reworking the glacial landforms. I find that this process illustrates a parallel idea of which I am pursuing within this series. The topography moves and reworks itself over and over again creating a unique moment, a static ripple of water. Together each unique layer in these paintings exhibit the feeling of water. Water is, itself, an emotionally evocative subject, especially of those who live all their lives near it and are affected by it. When I discovered this process, Southern Louisiana - a place I call home - has been flooded from excessive rain. With the rapid pace of coastal erosion and sea levels rising, there is no doubt water will play an increasingly significant role in our future. As the glaciers move change, melt, refreeze and melt again that water flows to us; we as a species have to adapt to this process.
Artist + Anne Blenker
Follow this artistI spent my earliest years in Santa Rosa, California where I was informed by the natural beauty of the Pacific coastline. I studied fine arts painting at Pratt Institute in New York City. After moving to New Orleans in 2013 I discovered a fascination with aerial topography. My work draws on the ever-shifting contemporary landscape for inspiration, seeking to understand the processes and the changes they create. I have shown in New Orleans at Parse Gallery and Brand Gallery among others.
Instagram | @anneblenker
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