Alan Sirulnikoff + Richard Nelson, “Altered States”

The more I searched through my archive of images for “altered states” the more it seemed to apply to a vast array of imagery that was not confined to genre. Multiple layers of perception might subconsciously, or well after the fact, reveal themselves.  Are these the images that still move me years after their creation? Moment to moment everything is being altered, changed in some subtle or obvious way.  ‘Realities’ shift as we perceive an object that goes beyond name or obvious designation. Might the altered states be a series of “decisive moments” revealing the interconnectedness of all life? — Alan Sirulnikoff

This film is an interpretation of Alan Sirulnikoff’s powerful and evocative photographs in an alternative context; a sensory journey of sight, sound, and imagination. Still Life is an intimate encounter with the world around us, a symbiotic interplay between image and sound that is a metaphor for the balance and harmony found in nature. It is an alternate reality which brings to light the fascinating life-forms that may exist in our natural surroundings if we take the time to see and experience.  In this thoughtful exploration of nature’s cast-offs the question arises, “Is there still life in these seemingly inanimate objects? — Richard Nelson

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Alan Sirulnikoff was born in the depth of a Winnipeg winter (he remains traumatized to this day), and had lived on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast for 20 years following lengthy stays in Toronto and Vancouver. His images have appeared in assorted books and magazines both nationally and internationally.  He also continues to exhibit a diverse range of work including various long-term projects among them On the Line a series of international laundry images, Hidden Voices (social commentary through graffiti) and Still Life based on a more intimate look at fragments from our natural realm. He remains a dedicated slide film user.

Richard Nelson is a filmmaker, musician, and multi-disciplinary artist whose work explores diverse perspectives through integrated media. He is inspired and motivated by the prospect of experiencing or understanding things in different ways, seeing the ordinary extraordinarily; of exploring, introducing, and facilitating the potential for himself and others to access a variety of perspectives. As a musician/songwriter he has toured and performed throughout western and central Canada. As an artist/craftsperson he has worked on award winning projects in Canada and the U.S. As a filmmaker he has produced artistic, documentary, and educational short films; and his work has had official selections at various international film festivals. He lives on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Canada.

The SCAC acknowledges that we gather and work on the traditional territories of the Sechelt (shíshálh) and Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) First Nations. We are grateful guests on this land and seek to work from a place of respect and responsibility to this privilege.

The SCAC would like to thank our generous sponsors who make our work possible: The SCAC Membership, The District of Sechelt, The BC Arts Council, The SC Community Forest Fund, The Canada Council for the Arts, The Sunshine Coast Community Foundation and the Sunshine Coast Credit Union.