“Clearing” (with CC-295), 4’ x 5’ fresco on panel, 2020. On loan to 418 Search and Rescue Training Squadron, RCAF; Comox, BC, Canada.
For many years now I’ve been researching the benefits of artwork on mental health; doing so has let me receive many people’s precious stories about the positive impact my artwork has had on them, particularly within institutional spaces such as hospitals. While considering institutional spaces, I was driven to make a piece for 418 Squadron’s new Search and Rescue training facility. I desired it to be large and abstract enough to give an immersive experience– standing out within the functional environment of a military building. I also wanted to not leave function behind: intending for the painting to be useful to military members as a training resource, allowing them to interpret abstract shapes and exercise their observational skills for missions.
As I set to work, an existing abstract painting was chosen to be the “sky” backdrop for the new aircraft. My hope- in using a previously-set-aside work for such an important painting as the first depiction of a new aircraft- is that it will inspire military members with the idea that - though the value of work is not often felt at the time, it can result in having a large impact.
I’ve placed footprints (or tracks) in the painting to lead the eye through various environments within the bottom of the scene, and in the lower corners, I’ve traced over the lines made by cobwebs on the surface of the painting– before it was “recommissioned”– to represent the idea of “clearing the cobwebs” and mental clarity.
This work was made out of a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of the people who make sacrifices every day, whose work often goes unrecognized… the very concept of search and rescue; that we have SAR Techs– and the lengths to which we will go to find the lost– is one of the most beautiful concepts that exists in our society today.
My sincere hope for this piece is that it would energize- that it would allow people to feel inspired about what they are doing, what they are working for- and that it would do what art does; create a piece of culture to be shared– and allow people to feel connected to their fellow humans.
Shelley Vanderbyl
March, 2020
