It’s no surprise that Lara Felsing, an Indigenous artist who traces her Métis and Woodland Cree ancestry through several generations, reveals her creative expression with gifts from nature.
Chunks of moss, pine needles, baskets made from wild grasses, and charred sticks of wood burnt from fire are woven into her works affirming a lifelong fascination with the natural world.
The Edson artist, who has long studied the lifecycles of plants and vegetation, is showcasing Kinship Ecologies at Art Gallery of St. Albert (AGSA) currently running until July 19.
“Kinship Ecologies is an expression of gratitude for the natural world. The scents of spruce and pine. The hours spent picking berries. Hands picking plants to harvest medicines. She weaves this in with the story of her family,” said Emily Baker, AGSA curator.
Traditional plant harvesting is at the core of her practice gathering roots, leaves, petals, pine needles and berries to create compostable drawings, paintings, sculptures and blankets.
Everything the interdisciplinary artist harvests is either gifted or reclaimed and will ultimately decompose back into the land. Balance and harmony are maintained.
Baker notes needles and grasses are woven with scraps of cloth. Branches are adorned with fabric and beads. Broadcloth and muslin curtains are dyed with spruce needles and pressed flowers. Drawings are added created from charcoal found at burn sites left over from forest fires.
In addition, products such as man-manufactured flagging tape and chip bags have been picked off the forest floor and brought out of the woods where they do not belong.
“Her practice of generous caring comes from a deep place. It’s nice to see she mentions climate change. But this work is not depressing. It’s very hopeful. Although we haven’t treated Earth well as a society, we can change by repurposing and reusing. You can see her passion through her work,” Baker said.
A gallery reception takes place Thursday, June 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with an artist talk at 6:45 p.m. A virtual tour on Facebook is on June 11 at noon. It is followed by in-person tours on June 18 at noon and July 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Felsing is also leading two workshops. The one for ages eight to 12 is on July 18 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and a more adult-centered one takes place July 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information call the gallery 780-460-4310.
