If you visited the "Story" page of this website you saw that the vision behind this special space and place came from the heart, mind, and creative soul of Finnish-American artist, John Lundeen.
The online publication Keweenaw Now interviewed John on his art and wrote:
John Lundeen works from his studio on the shores of Lake Superior. Images of the lake act as a base for Lundeen’s metaphorical paintings where boats, fruit and mathematical formulas all float above the surface of the water in a playful expression of the wonders of nature and the human mind. "My images reflect a fascination with the workings of nature and the human mind. Fruit trees package their seeds in beautiful wraps and send them off with nourishment to survive a journey beyond the influence of nature", Lundeen explains. Lundeen draws parallels between these natural processes and parenting. "In my work, fruit becomes a metaphor for human offspring," he notes. Lundeen’s metaphorical "parents" send their young into the world with high hopes, relying on knowledge as the nourishment to help them survive. The ambiguity in meaning of Lundeen’s images is an inherent part of the artwork. "Fish out of water and boats in the sky and other incongruities in my work will have different meanings to different people. It is my hope that each viewer will construct their own vision and interpretation of my work rather than relying on my explanation," says Lundeen.
The online publication Keweenaw Now interviewed John on his art and wrote:
John Lundeen works from his studio on the shores of Lake Superior. Images of the lake act as a base for Lundeen’s metaphorical paintings where boats, fruit and mathematical formulas all float above the surface of the water in a playful expression of the wonders of nature and the human mind. "My images reflect a fascination with the workings of nature and the human mind. Fruit trees package their seeds in beautiful wraps and send them off with nourishment to survive a journey beyond the influence of nature", Lundeen explains. Lundeen draws parallels between these natural processes and parenting. "In my work, fruit becomes a metaphor for human offspring," he notes. Lundeen’s metaphorical "parents" send their young into the world with high hopes, relying on knowledge as the nourishment to help them survive. The ambiguity in meaning of Lundeen’s images is an inherent part of the artwork. "Fish out of water and boats in the sky and other incongruities in my work will have different meanings to different people. It is my hope that each viewer will construct their own vision and interpretation of my work rather than relying on my explanation," says Lundeen.
To honor John's legacy and support the continued creation of art in this place, we will establish an Artist in Residence Fellowship in his name. While the specific details surrounding this fellowship have yet to be determined, it is our desire to be able to support cancer survivor artists to come and reside on the property, where they can engage in their craft, drawing from the natural beauty around them. It is our hope that they could leave the WALDEN Institute with one original piece they created during their time here, which would adorn our property with their presence. While our initial program will prioritize young adult cancer survivor artists, at this time we welcome applications from anyone wishing to participate in this experience.
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TRUE NORTH TREKS 2018 Phone: 773-972-2367 Email: info@truenorthtreks.org Address: N8803 Koski Road, Au Train, Michigan, 49806 (Latitude: 46.474267, Longitude: -86.791816)