Nature. Reflections. Land. Water. Texture. Transparency. Photography that captures a moment that will never be the same.
(RE) Emergence
Ceramic Installation, Drawings & Monoprints
Installation photos by Kim-Eden Photography
Where it all began
Amidst the chaos and beauty of motherhood, an unexpected journey unfolded. It all started with a simple request while I was at my lowest, an invitation to mothers everywhere to share a moment of reflection. I asked them to capture a selfie with closed eyes and a single word describing their innermost feelings. Little did I know that this simple act would ignite a powerful connection and lay the foundation for my (RE)Emergence series.
Overwhelmed by the response, over a hundred intimate messages poured in, revealing the untold struggles of contemporary motherhood. The shared stories became my guiding light, leading me back to my art practice and community. It was in these precious testimonies that I found the strength to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and artistic expression.
(RE)Emergence is a celebration of resilience, an ode to the indomitable spirit of motherhood. Delicate ceramic butterflies take flight, embodying the metaphorical significance of transformation and the fleetingness of life. Meticulously sculpted chains and cage-like structures symbolize both the resilience and protection inherent in motherhood's hidden strength.
Video by Nate Lacroix
Ceramic sculptures
Documentation photography by Rodrigo Moreno
About (RE)Emergence
“(RE) Emergence”
(RE) Emergence presented at Quest Art Gallery in the Midland Cultural Centre, June 29-Aug 5 2023 (333 King Street, Midland, gallery hours Monday-Friday 10am-4pm).
In this exhibition, I explore the profound metaphorical significance of butterflies as harbingers of change and the fleetingness of life. Delicate ceramic butterflies, alongside meticulously sculpted chains and cage-like sculptures, converge to evoke contemplation on transformative journeys.
Drawing inspiration from my background as a park superintendent and archaeologist, I celebrate the interconnectedness of nature, history, and the transformative power of art. The use of ceramic as my medium allows me to capture the fragile and transformative essence of butterflies, while also honouring the hidden strength of motherhood through meticulously sculpted chains and cage-like structures that evoke both resilience and protection.
To emphasize the intricate interplay of life's dualities, I employ high contrast and black-and-white aesthetics. Through the stark contrast between light and dark, I invite viewers to explore the complexities of the human experience, the delicate balance between opposing forces, and the necessary presence of darkness to appreciate the light. This visual language speaks to the inherent tensions we encounter, such as the interplay of dark and light, good and bad, and right and wrong.
Moreover, this body of work aims to foster self-forgiveness and a realization that our personal growth necessitates embracing darkness to find light. By engaging with the art, viewers are encouraged to reflect upon their own transformative journeys, acknowledging imperfections, and finding solace in the understanding that both light and darkness are essential for personal and spiritual development.
Through this visual narrative, I celebrate the power of femininity, the indomitable spirit of motherhood, and the inherent strength within each of us. By inviting contemplation of dualities, fostering self-compassion, and highlighting the interconnectedness of opposing forces, I aim to create a space where viewers can embark on a transformative journey of introspection and acceptance.
Exhibition supported by the Ontario Arts Council and the RBC Arts Incubator program.
Special thanks to Rodrigo Moreno, Virginia Eichhorn, Marilyn Green, Anne Armour, Hilary Slater, Holly Archer and Quest Art Gallery for their support and contribution to this exhibition. Deepest gratitude to my husband William Myles and my three children, who’ve made me who I am today.
Supported by RBC Arts Incubator Program, Ontario Arts Council & le Centre de femmes francophones du comté de Simcoe Colibri.
What people are saying about the exhibition
"Camille, I so enjoyed your show! The cage forms were so powerful, and I loved being amongst the butterflies." - Emily