Abstracted Memories

Abstracted Memories

As children, we had a wonderful and uninhibited access to our imaginations.
Thus allowing us to see and embrace our surrounding and cityscapes very differently from that of our own perspective.
Landmarks took on almost adventure like qualities. Growing up in the east end I had my own share of adventures,
from Urban hikes to bike rides along the Red Hill to the immensely long trips to Toronto.
A large part of my youth was spent traveling around the Hamilton area.
Several years ago I embarked on a journey across the province to study in Thunder Bay.
This being my first time living away from Hamilton provided me with a separation of mind needed to prepare me for my return.

In the Summer of 2015, I returned the southern Ontario.
While the first few months were a blur of city shock and adrenaline, I found solace in the elements and landmarks from my memories.
Each location depicted was one I either visited or made note of while traveling around.
Spending my initial energies to re-explore memorable locations; Late night Coffee runs on Barton or Sunday bike trips to
Albion falls all served to open me to the comfort of what was Hamilton while allowing for the essential movement to discover new development.

During this period, I reflected heavily on my youth bringing forth old thoughts about what each area used to represent.
From the Cathedral, a Lighthouse helping tired automotive travellers find their way home to the Anvil Stone separated from Albion Falls during a cataclysm.
Let’s not forget about the volatile factories rooted in the founding energies of the city yet often under a dark cloud.
Each location an imaginary adventure within the grips of a growing and expanding city.

The prints I create make use of a modified intaglio process, that had replaced the metal plate for a Plexiglas plate.
Solvents, chemical interactions, and power tools are utilised to create a variety of marks upon the surface.
Each and every ink used is modified, controlling the specific viscosity or creating new colours for the inclusion of materials found around Hamilton.
Iron Oxide from rail spikes and powdered coal from the steel mills come together to create a uniquely Hamiltonian print.