An art exhibition titled Exploring the Coast to Crest Trail runs through January 25th at Dove Library in Carlsbad. The exhibition presents 20 of his works by Carmel Valley artist Sou Britt. Britt calls the work a “paper tapestry,” woven with paper to tell a story.
The exhibit was inspired by Britt’s hike along the Coast to Crest Trail from the shores of Del Mar to Volcan Mountain. Britt participated in a nature reserve program called “Experience a Sense of Place,” a learning-through-hike program that facilitates Britt’s connection to trails.
“Forty-nine miles, from horizon to horizon, is a source of inspiration,” Britt said in an artist statement about the exhibition.
“I have hiked the trail many times and it is easy to see something new each time. We capture new ideas from research on ,” Britt said.
The work is done in a technique created by Britt that she calls paper tapestry. The foam board substrate is cut, sculpted and covered with various colored decorative papers.
This technique preserves the lineart of the sketch, adds texture through engraving, and uses numerous decorative papers for coloring.
“After two years of hiking, writing, and making art, I’m in love with this place, the Coast to Crest Trail,” Britt said. “Share the beauty and stories you find on the trail. I want to.”
Britt talks about the awe she feels on the hike and her desire to share it with her audience.
“My art work is a reflection of the awe I feel in the natural world, and this is my attempt to evoke that same feeling in those who view my art,” Britt said. .
The Dove Library is open Mondays from 10am to 7pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 5pm at Dub Lane 1775.
To see more of Britt’s work, visit papertapestry.net. To find a map of the Coast to Crest Trail, visit sdrvc.org.
