“No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it” – Albert Einstein

Einstein’s quote is a powerful statement and one that deeply inspires Vancouver-based photographic artist, Desirée Patterson.

Éveil Collection - Image Credit: Photo Provided by Desirée Patterson

Desirée weaves the insight directly into her densely-layered conceptual works that aim to provoke thought and arouse a new level of consciousness in the viewer.

Among the many creative attractions and distractions at Vancouver’s 2016 (IDS) Interior Design Show, Desirée’s small and evocative collection captured my attention and held me there for a while.  I loved the glossy veneer over the beautifully complex images. I needed to learn more about them – to hear their story.

Enraciné Collection - Image Credit: Photo Provided by Desirée Patterson

I asked the artist to tell me about the intense pieces that had caught my eye from afar. She went on to narrate with such beautiful eloquence, and it was clear to me that  Desirée’s spirit is immersed in each expressive layer of her work.

To inspire preservation through art is the motivation. The artist is passionate about her craft and is equally driven by environmental conservation. Her synergistic compositions that fuse beauty and the industrialized world speak to that passion with clarity and through the power of positivity. 

Éveil Collection ‘Learning’ - Image Credit: Photo Provided by Desirée Patterson

Éveil is the French word for ‘awakening’ and is the name of Desiree’s figurative collection. The photographic series superimposes both nature-based images and urban landscapes within the human form and is inspired by the artist’s own internal connection and embodiment of the environment. She reflected, “It’s an interesting juxtaposition that people can relate to.”  The intent of the art is to bring both subjectivity and an alternative perspective - to strike a kinship for the beauty of the natural world and to raise an acute awareness of our impact on the planet. The ultimate goal is to ignite the desire for change.

Enraciné Collection - Image Credit: Photo Provided by Desirée Patterson

The Enraciné Collection is a developing conceptual series that too seeks to bring ecological awareness through a humanistic perspective. The dual-composition series connects urban environments and nature-based landscapes. “I merged them together to offer insight into our society being rooted in the industrialized world,” explained Desirée.

Enraciné Collection - Image Credit: Photo Provided by Desirée Patterson

Symbolizing our deeply-rooted industrialized world, the urban landscapes are inverted. The natural landscapes are in the upright position to reveal the conscious direction humanity needs to take in order to find sustainability and balance in our world.

Enraciné Collection Installation- Image Credit: Photo Provided by Desirée Patterson

Desirée’s striking photographic art represents a labour-intensive production. The complex juxtapositions are printed on a museum-quality level bringing together archival and metallic papers and multiple laminations to create contemporary heirloom pieces. 

“People say that they’re attracted to the aesthetics of my work,” said Desirée, “and I feel that it’s important that conceptual work of serious subject matter keeps a certain level of aesthetic.”

She believes in the law of attraction - that positive attracts positive.  Her goal is to allow people to have an individual connection to her work. “In the end, if they understand the message, that’s great, but it’s just a subjective experience to offer viewers,” said Desirée.

Éveil Collection - Image Credit: Photo Provided by Desirée Patterson