Mapping Champlain 2009

earthenware, wood, bonding agent, acrylic paint

26" x 36"

The six octagonal maps relate to explorations in 1608 and 1609 by French cartographer, Samuel de Champlain. The fingers point different directions in reference to Champlain's writings from those years which indicate he was looking for China and believed it was nearby. The six maps include: 1) Brouage France, the birthplace of Champlain; 2) Lac Champlain (Lake Champlain); 3) Petit Champlain, an early settled part of Quebec City where Champlain lived; 4) Champlain, Quebec, a village on the St-Laurence River; 5, 6) the town and village of Champlain, New York, both sites of international festivities during the 300th anniversary.