UNDER THE COVERS: A Celebration of the Tunnel Book
Art exhibit at The Chapel Gallery in Victoria BC, from March 4th to 22nd, 2022
Samantha Jeffers Agar - Artist Statement
I think of art as its own kind of language. Collage and paint are my primary mediums. Images, objects and symbolism that trigger a feeling of nostalgia or hidden meaning often find their way into my pieces. Having a long-standing fascination with behavioural psychology, I often center my work around people or characters. While I go on my own journey in the making process, the viewer will have their own unique experience with a piece depending on the personal experiences and associations that come up for them as they look at it. I love this juxtaposition.
The life and work of Joseph Cornell has been an inspiration and influence for me since I first learned about him while in art school years ago. Bringing simple and previously disparate images or objects together to create an entirely new visual narrative, speaking to each audience member differently, is a magical and satisfying practice.
My 1995 move to Victoria was a return to the province of my birth; though I grew up in Nova Scotia, BC always felt like home. In 2003, I acquired my BFA at The University of Victoria after completing the Visual Arts program at Camosun College. Creating three-dimensional work for Under The Covers has been inspiring and I look forward to delving further into making tunnel books and box sculptures.
Instagram: @samanthaagarart