E-Squared’s debut issue featured work by Santa Cruz artist Sarah Sanford. Intrigued by the scientific process in which intense investigation of minute subunits are integral to understanding the whole picture, her work transitions between the micro and macro cosmic worlds.
STORY OF THE HEAVENS (2018)
Aristotle said, “It is during our darkest moments, that we must focus to see the light.”
We are living in a time in which science and fact are doubted. The notion of an emergent truth is being debated. Our truth as accepted law is now coming under attack.
Under this pretense, my large-scale print series, Story of the Heavens, contemplates both the phenomena in nature and the achievements of human genius. This series of prints incorporates text from the astronomy textbook, The Story of the Heavens, (1897) with screenprints of light refractions I photograph. Printed with interference inks on Japanese kozo paper, each print is suspended off a wooden ledge- bringing dimension to a material that evokes fragility.
The documented text in combination with light’s glowing, ephemeral beauty within each print, collectively creates the illusion of celestial movements across the night sky. Using the contrast between light and darkness, I explore the veil of our understanding. In addition to our desire to seek truth, elements of time, space and chance are revealed.
