Feature Gallery Golden Edge

Golden Edge

January 12 – March 30, 2013

Golden Edge will also be presented at Red Deer College for SERIES from July 8 – August 16, 2013.

In recent years the Alberta Craft Council has emphasized the work of emerging fine craft artists in Feature Gallery exhibitions such as generation whY and SHIFT Golden Edge moves this focus from emerging artists to those who, through years of experience, continue to push the edge of their creativity. Golden Edge investigates the ongoing motivations of 16 craft artists who have devoted decades to their respective disciplines.

As part of the application for this exhibition we asked artists “what keeps you on the leading edge?” The majority of responses pointed to the persistent desire to push the boundaries of technique and medium. Jackie Anderson replied “The exploration of concept, line, colour and materials has taken and continues to take my work to new territories.” Similarly, Patricia Hartnagel feels that after almost 30 years of working with raku, she is as intrigued by the process as the day she started.

Others emphasize the underlying need to push themselves as artists. For example Karen Cantine’s response to the question was “The ‘edge’ that interests me is always my next finished piece which I hope represents continued growth and understanding as an artist.” While Crys Harse believes it’s the ‘what-ifs’ that drive her forward. “My innate curiosity drives my work to evolve and advance; one development leads to another”.

Jim Etzkorn and Susan Kristoferson attribute part of their continued growth to the influence of their artistic communities. Jim identifies his move to Medicine Hat and working with other artists at Medalta as a catalyst that has taken his work to a new level. While Susan feels that working out the details of how and what to teach not only inspires her personal artwork but “keeps my brain working and on the golden edge”.

For some artists the passage of time is not incidental, but rather a necessary component to their work. Shona Rae comments “sometimes I may wait for decades to see a concept come to fruition but in the meantime it will be influenced by everything that came before it in my personal life, studio practice and the news or events of the world at large”. No matter the response to the question, Golden Edge showcases established fine craft artists whose passion and dedication has stood the test of time.

Participating Artists

• Jackie Anderson

• Ilse AnysasSalkauskas

• Karen Cantine

• Sarabeth Carnat

• Jim Etzkorn

• Crys Harse

• Patricia Hartnagel

• Susan Kristoferson

• Brenda Malkinson

• Liv Pedersen

• Shona Rae

• Dana Roman

• Ruby Serben

• Carol & Richard Selfridge

• Catherine Thomson