Miriam Sweeney
I have always been fascinated by maps. Maps arrange information spatially and help us understand the world we live in by revealing patterns and relationships between our physical and cultural landscapes. Maps are living, breathing, abstract canvasses, with landscapes always shifting. E-commerce has rearranged our shopping and business districts. Climate change has shifted shorelines and the pandemic has changed the way we interact with our communities.
This piece encourages reflection on our home, community, and the relationships within. It is called “7x7, I Left My Heart in San Francisco”. It is an accurate map of San Francisco, each tile representing an urban block. The layers of acrylic mixture create tactile interest in the varying heights and elevations of the landscape. Within the accurate map of the SF’s seven square miles (7 by 7) are historical landmarks and seven hidden hearts which makes enjoying this piece as a puzzle, tactile-fun, and a rediscovery of old jaunts and favorite landmarks.
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