Scaling Back
“My art encourages people to reflect on the things we have in common while acknowledging and embracing our unique stories and pasts.”
The idea of living simply, grass roots and farm to table are main themes in Kirsten Latimer’s “Scaling Back” (2024) mixed media collection. The past seven years of raising three boys has led to the realization that resources and time are finite. Intentional household choices have been made to foster local relationships through purchasing CSA baskets, farm fresh meats, preparing and enjoying home cooked meals together, and scale back on unnecessary obligations and responsibilities. As a result, this work is a parallel to changes made in life recently.
The previous collections of work have included a wide variety of collage pieces, however a family and personal history of playing music for generations led to the paring down of collage works to just sheet music. Music holds unity and harmony for humans that permeates through time.
A neutral palette background is to provide a calming and cohesive, yet interesting record of play. The subject of the piece is again an objective connection we have as viewers and inhabitants of this earth. Yet the colours imbedded (as is our individual lens of life) are unique. While the two seemingly opposing styles of abstract realism are contained within the canvas boundaries, there is an appreciation for the dynamic edges of life.
The intent is to emphasize, through personal experience, prioritizing good health in physical, mental and spiritual realms. In a time where our days are inundated with notifications, overbooked schedules and never-ending to do lists, this art is an invitation for the viewer to reflect on: What needs to be done? What can wait? What are life’s simple pleasures? Ultimately, what is important in life?
About
Memories Collection
"Memories"
In this latest collection (2023/2024), the artist spent time exploring some of the symbolic life found in nature. Why do we feel moved by certain animals? What do these creatures mean throughout history and in different cultures? Echoing the last series, the desire for connection was a driving force in these works.
The more specific and honest we can be with ourselves and where we belong, the easier it is to see our shared experiences.
Memories Collection
Memories Collection
A Bird's Eye View Collection
A Bird’s Eye View (2023) is a group of mixed media and oil works that explores the freedom of finding a personal artistic voice from a ‘bird’s eye view’ of life. The works in this series start to pull at the thread of how people relate to one another and their own life. The objective is to emphasize unity despite the beginning process of chaos.
The representational paintings of birds depict our common and universal observations of nature hinging on realism. In contrast, the collage work shows the layers and unique stories that each person has. Overall, the series invites the viewer to reflect on their relationship with others, nature and themselves, considering the things they value and how they respond to life’s journey.
