“If we do not honour our past we lose our future. If we destroy our roots we cannot grow.” – Hundertwasser

*(Friedensreich Hundertwasser, 1928 - 2000)

When was the last time you licked a stamp?

Using the art of Kirie (hand-cut paper), this stamp collection celebrating Canadian wildlife is made by layering stenciled sheets of paper to form a final dimensioned image. In this collection of “Canada Stamps”, Drew Nelson examines the art of craft itself and the idea that there isn’t an app for everything.

“Canada Stamps” reminds us of the importance of tactile items in a digital world, and of craft as a way to continue traditions by hand; preserving things of importance that we may not see as such until we are reminded that they are no longer a part of our daily lives.

Drew has drawn inspiration from multiple sources for this project. Influenced by Japanese arts and crafts, Op-art, Charley Harper, Masahiro Chatani, and pochoir posters, Drew’s work reminds us visually and viscerally that we need to remember to continue to tell stories with our hands.

Knit a scarf.

Build a birdhouse.

Write a letter.