Banff BAIR Residency

I had the wonderful opportunity this last month to participate in a five week residency at The Banff Centre in Alberta. I had a project in mind and had pre-cast glass elements to bring with me and the plan was to fit them with pieces of alabaster and soapstone,  trying to combine the two mediums in an intuitive creative way. I was happy and impressed with the facilities and found that the Centre was a genuine conducive place for experimentation. I met some really wonderful and diverse artists and was able to exchange ideas and concepts in a truly constructive way. I made real friends amongst this colony of artist and I am looking forward to our future contacts and possible collaboration. My body felt the unusual cumulative days of rock carving, but it was stimulating to try out new tools and techniques. I now know what I want to explore further and the beautiful setting of this residency made me appreciate yet another part of our wide country.

 

 

 

Apparition "In Situ"

And now to resume my account of my activities this past summer! I worked on the idea of integrating my glass "In Situ". Placing my work in a specific outdoor setting enhances it's connection with the natural surroundings from which it is often inspired, but it also creates a contrast with the surreal quality of the work. With the help of my lovely assistant, I brought my piece, "Apparition" into the woods where I walk every morning. There, we had a photo session. I am quite pleased with the result, and I plan to explore pushing my glass practice further by experimenting with ways to display and express my artistic vision more fully. I will be participating in an exhibition called "The Last Glass Show", to which I have submitted one of these experimental photos. The exhibition will run from November 15 to December 28 at the OCC Gallery in Toronto. I will post more information on the exhibition closer to the opening.