Ms. Charlotte McGowan-Griffin

Self-employed artist

Project: Illuminated Forest

Illuminated Forest was conceived as a glowing 'woodstack' in which the 'logs' (tubular modules varying from 7.5-30cm diameter) display projected images from a diverse forest: trunks, roots, rings, branches and foliage in intricate, slight, shadowy or bold formations. Formed of layered cutouts, they are backlit by LED white or slowly colour-changing. Each module is unique and can be combined in myriad formations - the installation is designed to grow and to shrink, to change shape and colour, to be split into smaller parts, and to be placed in various locations - large and small, public and private. The Gen Foundation funded the project at a critical time in its development. The grant provided me with the resources for a research trip to Japan in 2007, and many of the materials needed for developing the prototype into a more polished artwork. Using images of the prototype, I applied to and was invited to participate in the residency program at Aomori Contemporary Art Centre, northern Honshu, who provided logistical support and venue I needed to develop and exhibit the work.

Website: www.mcgowan-griffin.net