Wren Ross: The Forge, The Gibbous, The Heron, The Oilcan: Contemporary Constellations for Navigation

Myth is a medium developed to inform, encourage, sustain and soothe. It functions to impart morals and to help communities remember how to nourish and support each other. It is not a static relic of truth; it is a living, breathing, feeding creature.

The drawings in The Forge, The Gibbous, The Heron, The Oilcan are inspired by communities built upon oral storytelling traditions, and those who rely on reworking cultural myths to inform the future. At a time when community values are being called into question, and politics are often synonymous with fear or misgivings, the development of new heroes, new epics and new resolutions is increasingly called for. However, myth is bounded by current events and so requires reinterpretation and revision to remain useful. This lesson is particularly apt in our present time when we tend to cling to old ways of thinking, behaving and relating to the world to feel safe, even when these ways cease to be relevant.

Connecting with the imagery and narratives in The Forge… is subtle, because the surfaces are rich with detail and symbolism. It requires a deliberate slowing down and giving over to new interpretations of what is beautiful or valuable, which can be challenging. The work suggests however, that challenging experiences have the potential for unification. Starting conversations –  or simply recognizing that such discomfort is ok, even necessary as a catalyst for growth and change, is vital.

Ultimately, this body of work is a star atlas, providing bearings and direction for navigating the turmoil of our present circumstance.  The constellations may change depending on where the viewer is standing, what time of year it is, and what kind of guidance is required, but the compass is stalwart and the way is clear.