epilogue. – Grace Friesen

Instagram: @gracedianephotography 
Facebook: Grace Diane Photography
Email: grace.d.friesen@gmail.com 

Grace is a fourth-year Fine Arts and Political Science major studying at the University of Waterloo. Based in Kitchener, Grace works with photography and printmaking. Her main focus is nature, where she employs macro photography producing vibrant images of flowers, leaves and insects. Details in the microscopic are scaled, inverting the unseen world to read as vast landscapes. In the case of her relief prints, she once again scales the natural elements, focusing more on line and installation strategies.

Artist Statement

When we look around, our eyes focus on large objects, but what about the details in these large objects—details that the naked eye can’t see? Comprised of four large photographs, Macroscopic Nature requires you to look at objects up close—to challenge the expectations of what we think we know. In this suite, the pieces focus on leaves of trees found in Southern Ontario such as maple, oak, and beech. These images are installed as illuminated cylinders placed on the floor allowing viewers the opportunity to walk around the subjects and see every detail of the image. 

I am inspired by the movie Ant-Man directed by Peyton Reed, where the superhero shrinks down to the size of an ant. The process of macro photography transforms the object to reveal the microscopic world. This sense of the unknown allows the brain to imagine and see the unexpected: to move beyond the humanist lens. Ultimately, it is a call to slow down and notice the beauty in the little things, to take better care of our planet, and to preserve its beauty.

Similarly, the print works also take nature as subject. In this case, strategies of installation and repetition are employed. A Walk Through Nature, a three-dimensional walk-through forest highlights Canada's diverse landscape and environment. Being able to interact with the walk-through forest allows subjects to see how these relief prints emphasize the details of line in natural elements.

Interview Questions

What aspects of your life inspire your art?

I am inspired by Canada and the beauty of nature. I have always been fond of all things Canadian (especially Canadian politics), which has led me to add Canadian elements to my artworks. Being out in nature gives the brain time to reset and experience the amazing natural elements the world has to offer. Seeing this beauty has inspired me to play with nature in an artistic way. 

What are your preferred mediums and why are you drawn to them?

My favourite medium to practice is photography. I was drawn to photography at a very young age, and still have the same passion for the medium that I did in Grade 7. I don’t know what originally drew me to this medium, but it has allowed me to grow and improve my photographic range. My favourite type of photography is macro. Macro photography has given me the opportunity to see things in a different perspective, and has allowed me to share what I have discovered.

I have recently discovered the joy of relief printmaking. This new skill has allowed me to practice art in a different way. Every time you run the same carving through the press it looks a little different, revealing the little imperfections and strengths of the print. 

Where do you see yourself in the future? How do you see your art practice evolving?

I don’t know what the future holds, but what I know for sure is I will never stop practicing art. As my photography and printmaking skills evolve, I hope to one day travel the country and the world and take part in Arts Festivals.

What do you want people to know about you as an artist?

Practicing art has allowed me to discover the joy of creation. I practice macro photography to see nature’s different perspectives, and share these perspectives with the world. Being an artist gives me the creative outlet to have fun and explore all that art has to offer. 

What is the most significant thing you will take away from your Fine Arts studies?

You are going to fail and that is OK. Having the opportunity to study Fine Arts for four years allows you to discover who you are as an artist. Exploring different mediums through an array of different classes allows you to find what you love to do most, while heightening your artistic skills. It is through failure that you find your true artistic path.