Amber Wu

“Cove of Creation” is a painting inspired by the majestic cliffs and turquoise water along the shore of Lake Huron, at Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario, Canada. One leading hypothesis regarding the habitat that nourished the origins of life is a shallow freshwater marin system, much like the conditions of a sheltered cove. This painting uses abstract layering techniques to depict the gradual transition from water to land, where the continuous beige and yellow lines can be interpreted as sedimentary rock layers. Towards the top of the cliff, the colour becomes darker, yet extremely rich. The hazy blue dots represent nebulae, cosmic clouds where stars are born. This subtle transition from the potential site for the origins of life to the site for the origin of stars encourages viewers to seek connection, yet still leaves room for imagination. The title of the painting mimics that of the famous Pillars of Creation, an interstellar collection of gas and dust in the Eagle Nebula. Could the Cove of Creation foster the most primitive form of life? It is up to your interpretation.

Amber YX Wu is a multidisciplinary artist based in Toronto, Canada, working across various art forms including painting, sculpture and photography. She is best known for her abstract illustrations of landscapes and realistic animal portraits. Amber’s visual art endeavours span a wide range of mediums, including acrylics, watercolour, chalk and clay. Her work is distinguished by its meticulous attention to detail, and insights into her unique experience living with synesthesia. Through her art, she seeks to evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity, inviting viewers to contemplate the intricate relationship between artistic expression and the beauty of natural sciences.

amberyx.wu@gmail.com

@thenorthpolepenguin