Bonnie Baker / Still Standing Still
Confined to a sliver of blue cloth, a solitary figure surrounds themselves with personal tokens of significance believing these objects help them adapt to a time of pandemic limitations. Sealed within their separate universe, the figure is both companion to and silent observers of the viewers outside.
My current work uses constructed images using cyanotypes, an alternative form of photography. When used as contact printing, cyanotypes reflect the image as a cryptic silhouette of itself rather than a visual representation. Combined with the idea of absence and recollection, cyanotypes are my method for capturing what once existed but now is gone by intention or accident. Sometimes I will insert my own body by reaching into these images as a conscious act to connect myself with the subject and viewers. Bonnie is an artist based in Nova Scotia. Her work is about creating portraits of aftermaths, visualizing the consequence of what follows a life altering occurrence even when we do not understand what came before using alternative photographic processes (cyanotype, chlorophyll printing), installation, printmaking and drawing. As a founding member of a community printmaking studio located in Annapolis Royal, Bonnie believes community engagement, mentoring and teaching is integral to creative growth. Her work has been exhibited across Canada, US, Europe and collected by Art Bank of NS, Royal Bank of Canada and in private collections. She was recognized as an Established Artist in Nova Scotia in 2016. |