Global connection
Artist Lizzie Snow’s home lockdown project speaks to the fact that we are all one.
Inspired by Sea Walls international ‘home’ mural festival, Lizzie Snow (aka @fortyonehundred) was one of 800 artists who painted a wall in her home during lockdown. The works each speak to the theme of the world’s environmental crisis. “This project was a natural fit, as I create with the intention of my art acting as a facilitator in weaving the consciousness of humans and nature,” says Snow.
Due to coronavirus she had a few mural commissions postponed and was also craving painting at a larger scale to balance the smaller artworks she was working on. And because there was no time pressure or specific requirements, Snow found it a truly fulfilling experience of creative freedom with no limitations. Around halfway through the project she decided to name the piece Global Connection.
“During this time of pandemic and self-isolation I’ve been reflecting on what a great exhale this experience has been. Although this is a tragic event for humanity, it feels like a much-needed break for the environment,” says Snow.
“Global Connection speaks to the fact that we are all one. The earth is part of us, and we are part of the earth, it is an
interdependent relationship. We have the responsibility of caring for each other and caring for the world we live in. My work being inspired by fractals explores the concept of interconnection.”
Fractals, she explains, are the patterns of natural existence; branching trees, lightning bolts, mountain ranges, the veins on a leaf and the veins in our bodies.
“Fractal patterning allows us to visualise the unbreakable relationship between people, and between people and the planet. In this time of uncertainty, although we are separate, we are united,” says Snow.
Best known for creating contemporary explorations of the mandala and free-flowing artworks, Snow says it feels amazing to be “painting large”.
“Your whole body is involved and becomes part of the artwork. It’s a true expression of self, both physically and psychologically,” she says.
Although she will paint the wall over, she has documented the work and just released it as a limited-edition print.
“I love creating intricate smaller pieces, but I feel that painting at scale takes my art into another realm,” says Snow.
Her biggest mural so far was a recent commission for the revamped Newmarket Westfield where she painted five murals, one of which was 30 metres long. One of her goals is to be able to paint entire building faces.
The Canadian-born Kiwi currently calls Tofino, in British Colombia, home.
“I was born in Canada, then went back to New Zealand with my New Zealand family when I was a newborn. So I am a Kiwi through and through, with a special link to Canada,” she explains.
With more than 112,000 followers on Instagram it’s safe to say Snow is making an impact with her chosen art form.