Sam Uhlick’s studio. Photo: Ryan Parker Photography
Alberta Craft Feature Gallery – Edmonton September 14 – December 24, 2019 Artist Reception: Saturday, September 28 from 2- 4 pm
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS:
Trudie Allen Melissa Jo Belcourt Richard Boulet Linda Chow Firebrand Glass (Julia Reimer & Tyler Rock) Evelyn Grant Crys Harse Doug Haslam Eveline Kolijn Loyal Loot (Doha Chebib Lindskoog & Anna Thomas) Irene Rasetti John Smith-Jones Ruby Sweetman Cathy Terepocki Sam Uhlick
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We are all in this together. The actions we take as makers and consumers have a major impact on future generations. The most effective and enduring forms of sustainability incorporate environmental, social and economic measures. Re:consider contemplates ways we can craft a sustainable future. Many artists are achieving and exploring sustainability in holistic and thoughtful ways while working toward a greater good. Community building is a common thread interwoven in many craft artist’s practices. As Julia Reimer of Firebrand Glass says of her contributions to a sustainable craft community: “It is one of the things I am proud of in my life when I see the skill and accomplishments of our former studio assistants because I believe that a strong and vital craft community makes my career and life better.” Longstanding to Alberta indigenous artists’ holistic practice is a respect for materials and how they are gathered and utilized. There is cultural and community value placed on traditional knowledge, for those who keep it, and the passing down of skills and knowledge. “As a cultural practitioner I take an active ethical stance in the production of my own work as well as passing on my knowledge to community members and students at Portage College, to contribute to a sustainable art community. I find practicing ancient art forms to be very healing for one’s health and well-being, it also gives one great pride in who we are as people and as a culture who is almost lost.” Ruby Sweetman
ALBERTA CRAFT MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 2019
