Other Work
Elk [BrOKen COlumN] Cedar
Medium- Oil Pastel, Soft Pastel
This work is a rendering of the Elk Cedar tree which once stood proud in Tofino but now is held upright by a system of cables and cages. This tree is the oldest living resident of Tofino but when you look at the Elk cedar you are presented with a caged image that invokes a deep felt trauma and pain rather than a proud 800 year old tree. I created this work trying to draw parallels between my subject (The Elk Cedar) And one of Frida Kahlo's self portraits- “Broken Column”. Broken column shows a deeply traumatized and immobilized rendering of Frida in which her middle body is replaced with a large stone column.
Day at the Goblin Market
Oil Pastel
This work is inspired by the Poem “Goblin Market” by Christina Rossetti, 1862. This poem tells the story of two sisters who are tempted with fruit by goblin merchants. When one sister falls for the temptation it is only the efforts of her sibling that can pull her from despair. This poem treats themes of sexuality, sexual violence, mental health, and family bonds in a way that responds deeply to my life experiences and artistic endeavours.
Paper maché (Hiroshima)
Rice bag, and Map
“Paper maché (Hiroshima)” is made by combining a rice bag used from Sake Sushi, Ucluelet as the weave and a map of Hiroshima is the weft used to create a weaved fabric. The map of Hiroshima was collected during Roberts artist residency in 2022 with Saiko Neon. Weaving is a recurring theme in Roberts' visual works- there is an implied sense of time and repetition in the viewing and creation of this piece which references Roberts choreographic creative process.