3 minute read
Here and There
Many of us closely follow the careers of our favourite fine craft artists and we loyally attend their studio sales and exhibition openings all without realizing the extent of their international careers. Their international activities can take many different forms: exhibitions, major sales, commissions, acquisitions and awards; academic activity, workshops, conferences, residencies and exchanges; or web-based activity such as sites, networks and virtual organizations. Seventeen ACC members who have significant international aspects to their careers are participating in Here and There. The exhibition consists of work produced abroad or influenced by their international experiences. The artwork is accompanied by written accounts and photos of these experiences.
Dirk Van Wyk’s pieces are based on Islamic geometric patterns and made with Korean paper. “I am the sum of seventy years of experiences which have included study and teaching in many locations, some very local and some very far away. At times the study involved teaching and the teaching is always a learning process. The two merged some years ago.”
You may be familiar with silversmith Scott Hardy’s local career accomplishments such as the commission he received for the 100 Year Anniversary of the Calgary Stampede to design and create 100 sterling silver and gold buckles. Scott, a fifth generation Western Canadian stockman turned silversmith, estimates about 90% of his career activity takes place in the USA. Scott has taught many workshops on hand engraving and silver fabrication all over North America. He is one of the founding members of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association (a North American association). He has lectured numerous times at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
Burrow (above image) by Julia Reimer was developed over several artist residencies in Australia. The process began during a residency at the University of South Australia and was completed at a residency at The Jam Factory in Adelaide, Australia.
The other international focus in Julia’s career, is hosting apprenticeships at Firebrand Glass Studio (Julia Reimer and Tyler Rock). Young artists from Japan, France and England have all worked in the studio to learn glass making techniques, develop their ideas and determine the vital next steps in their careers. Julia and Tyler see themselves as part of an international art community. “We have artists come and work in our studio, we travel overseas to work in their studios and we teach at their schools. For us it is all a part of continual learning and the exchange of ideas.”
Participants:
Dawn Detarando (Red Deer)
Evelyn Grant (Vancouver)
Scott Hardy (Longview)
Mackenzie Kelly-Frere (Calgary)
Rachelle LeBlanc (St Albert)
Charles Lewton-Brain (Calgary)
Brenda Malkinson (Edmonton)
Sara Norquay (Edmonton)
Julia Reimer (Black Diamond)
Shirley Rimer (Red Deer)
Tyler Rock (Black Diamond)
Carol & Richard Selfridge (Edmonton)
Jenna Stanton (Medicine Hat)
Barb Tipton (Calgary)
Sam Uhlick (Ardrossan)
Dirk Van Wyk (Calgary)
Kari Woo (Canmore)
