Portraits

On its base level the portrait can convey the likeness of a person in physicality, personality, or even mood, but when the call was sent out nation-wide, we knew that craft artists would dive even deeper. Portraits features the work of 35 Fine Craft artists from across Canada, emerging to established, who share stories of family, culture, place, being, and belonging through their work. From the traditional weaving by Liv Pedersen featured on the cover, to Micah Adams’s intricate metal work involving the delicate manipulation and reconstruction of coins from around the world, this exhibition delves into the broader definition of the portrait.

“Family Tree” celebrates small, everyday moments and childhood memories that define an individual. Edmonton hot glass artist Todd Safronovich has created a set of nine hand-blown glasses, each featuring an enamelled portrait of a family member, from both his family and his wife’s. Todd and Kathy remember as children visiting their grandparent’s places and always asking for a particular glass to use each time they sat down for dinner. This set assembles a family portrait with all of the members pictured at an age when something as simple as an image on a glass can evoke imagination.

Amy Gogarty speaks to place. In her ceramic assemblages, “Urban/Nature 1 & 2”, she creates portraits of Vancouver revealed through artifacts and individuals who comprise her everyday experiences. The heads are based on young people she observes in coffee shops, on the street, or in parks, where their colourful hair and elaborate tattoos speak to their optimism and joy in life. She sees them as sorts of genii loci, or protective spirits of the place. Having taught art and ceramic history at ACAD for 16 years, Amy’s practice is rich in craft history.

From quirky self-portraits to special memories of loved ones and iconic personalities, this exhibition is as diverse as each person or place that is depicted. Portraits explores issues around love, acceptance, mental health, self-expression, to that of the environment, of death, and celebrating life and all that it holds. Not to be missed, this exhibition will be presented in both Edmonton and Calgary in 2019 and surely connect with all who visit.

Family Tree. Todd Safronovich, 2018, Enamel, blown-glass, silver leaf. At Risk. Kasie Campbell & Ginette Lund, 2017, Yarn, batting, thread.

Raja. Nicole Coursen, 2018, Needle-felted wool. Roosevelt Mountie Micah Adams, 2017, Cupronickel, nickel. Urban/Nature 1. Amy Gogarty, 2018, Cone six stoneware. 0395-0043. Jessie Fraser, 2018, Silk, wool, linen - jacquard weaving. Self-Portrait Brian McArthur, 2015, Clay, oil pastels. Adaptation Series. Carlos Rojas. Ceramic.

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS:

Micah Adams (Toronto, ON)

Alyssa Becker-Burns (Edmonton)

Linda Brine (Kitchener-Waterloo, ON)

Kasie Campbell & Ginette Lund (Edmonton)

Nicole Coursen (Edmonton)

Brenda Danbrook (Opal)

Margie Davidson (Qualicum Beach, BC)

Zou Desbiens (Quebec City. QC)

Dawn Detarando (Red Deer)

Pamma FitzGerald (Calgary)

Jessie Fraser (Calgary)

Adele Goodwin Keleher (Edmonton)

Matt Gould (Red Deer)

Amy Gogarty (Vancouver, BC)

Matt Gould (Red Deer)

Leah Gravells (Edmonton)

Sharon Rose Kootenay Cherweniuk (Vilna)

Brian McArthur (Red Deer)

Susan McKay (Edmonton)

Gillian Mitchell & Crystal Bennett (Calgary)

Sara Norquay (Edmonton)

Dan Miller (Edmonton)

Matthew O’Reilly (Milton, ON & Calgary)

Liv Pedersen (Calgary)

Jean-Claude & Talar Prefontaine (Calgary)

Karen Rhebergen (Whitecourt)

Carlos Rojas (Montreal, QC)

Todd Safronovich (Edmonton)

Adele Schatschneider (Calgary)

Ellie Shuster (Edmonton)

Amy & Tanner Skrocki (Edmonton)

Allison Tunis (Edmonton)