On November 5th the SSC opened its annual stone show featuring a wide spectrum of works by eleven artists. Their approach to stone is as diverse as the stones of their choice: marbles from around the world, as well as limestones from Ontario, Indiana, and China . A “man-made” cast-stone installation of many elements forming a pictorial narration by Andy Berg, as well as a very precious abstract black Belgian marble from a quarry that no longer exists by Yeon-Tak Chang – elicits provocative dialogue.
Cathy Knoespel from Artcast Inc.(left) and guests. Photo: Peter Wirün
Through the opening reception four of the exhibiting artists talked about their work.
Andy Berg said that her installation “Mappined Terraces” was an interactive project she did in a workshop with audience participants at the Kingston artist-run centre – Modern Fuel. The work is meant to evolve holistically and in the workshop while she was working on it – the participants rolled up their sleeves and worked intuitively together with her. As such – continuing this collaborative method – the installation of cast-stone elements was assembled by the gallery installation team.
Artist, Andy Berg. Photo: Peter Wirün
Andy Berg, Mappined Terraces. Photo: J.M. Young
Elizabeth Merei’s sculpture, “Victoria” was shaped without using models or maquettes, as Merei carved it directly into the stone (Italian marble). Her sculptures exude a sensuality that is as prevalent in an abstract form as in a classical figure. Her torsos convey tremendous vitality and movement. Her work is recognizable with its tension between smooth and rough surfaces, highlighting the imperfections and sudden temper of the natural stone.
Artist, Elizabeth Merei. Photo: Peter Wirün
Elizabeth Merei, Victoria. Photo: Peter Wirün
Andrew Pawlowski stated that he incorporates found materials (steel elements) and stone (marble) assemblages with medieval flair. His symbolic carvings of steel and stone reflect variants of human attitudes towards self-deception. Mental visions imbued along the mysterious road between life and death sway the viewer away from the main tract – unmasking human weaknesses. The symbolic assemblages are thought-provoking evoking poignant dark humour.
Artist, Andrew Pawlowski. Photo: Peter Wirün
Andrew Pawlowski, Skoron. Photo: Peter Wirün
Dina Torrans pinpointed that the title of her work Ensō, (円相) is a Japanese word meaning “circle” and a concept strongly associated with Zen. Most broadly, Ensō represents the vast qualities of the universe, conjuring up its grandness, limitless power and natural phenomena. It is known as the circle of enlightenment. Its symbolism refers to the beginning and end of all things, the circle of life, and the connectedness of existences. This circle is incomplete, allowing for movement and development as well as the perfection of all things.
Artist, Dina Torres.Photo: Peter Wirün
Dina Torres, Ensō. Photo: Peter Wirün
It was a lively opening reception when the artists and art lovers merged, talked about sculptures and exchanged their ideas and reflections.
From left to right: J.M. Young, Richard McNeill, Marcus Knoespel from Artcast Inc. Photo: Peter Wirün
*Exhibition information: November 5 – 27, 2015, Canadian Sculpture Centre, 500 Church Street. Gallery hours: Tue – Fri: 12 – 6, Sat: 11 – 4 p.m.