Michele Ratté
Much of my work is informed by a life-long fascination with marine environments. I find great joy in scavenging and collecting on shorelines, and the observation/study of geological and botanical processes. Most relevant for what I make is the direct experience of working in seaside locations including the coast of Maine, the Provincelands of Cape Cod, and the Chazy Fossil Reef Preserve (a 500 million year-old seabed) on Isle La Motte, Vermont. Within the context of ocean environments, I explore ideas and subjects, such as:
The proliferation and miracle of life
Regeneration and transformation,
Micro-scapes and macro-scapes,
Fragility, impermanence, and yet-- endurance , and even-- hope
My methods for making work integrate found-object gathering, drawing, and collagraphic printmaking. Intentionally perforating surfaces has become a way of working that pleases me, and I incorporate multiple punctures when the work calls for it. My materials include cast-off objects animated by the energy of their previous use or environment, such as wasp nest paper, beach rope, tangled fishing line, used cloth, etc.