Dina Torrans at the Opening Reception with her latest stonework, Time Capsule, Champlain Black/Danby imperial marble, 24 x 78 x 40 cm. Courtesy of the Canadian Sculpture Centre
In this solo exhibition, Dina Torrans presents her most recent collection of heirlooms, botanicals and artefacts. She has employed stone, bronze and her usual array of mixed media to create these new works. Her motifs are coming from many sources but always have a connection with her personal life. As she writes in her Artist Statement, “My work reflects ideas about myself, our times, and thoughts about the state of our world. Often I do not consciously realize all the ideas that are being communicated until either the work is complete, or I reflect back on it after some time.”
Dina Torrans, Hanging Out, bronze, stone, 10 x 20 x 24 cm. Courtesy of the Canadian Sculpture Centre
Many of her work use symbols from mythologies. She exhibits two sculptures, one marble, one wood, dedicated to Japanese word Ensō, meaning ‘circle’. They represent the universe, its grandness and its limitless power that circulate inside. It symbolizes the circle of life and the connectedness of all leaving things. On the marble sculpture the circle is open, one edge is reaching out, while the wood piece depicts a closed circle, where the edges are overlapping. The marble creates a light feeling while the wood is more heavier, even rustic – depicting two different views of the universe.
Dina Torrans, Ensō, Vermont marble, 53 x 51 x 21 cm. Courtesy of the Canadian Sculpture Centre
Heirloom I is an item of adornment, born from a childhood memory. The turtle is also a famous symbol in many mythologies, the Native American culture among them, when it represents ‘Mother Earth’, that support as all. The piece is also playful with its hanging out chains and the way it was put together from many pieces of copper. Talking Peace also uses inspiration from an American Indian artifact, the talking stick, that was used at peace negotiation between the tribes. Torrans combines original elements like feathers and shells with her own imagery like adding a dragonfly and what seems like a metal box.
Dina Torrans, Heirloom I, copper, 71 x 38 x 8 cm. Courtesy of the Canadian Sculpture Centre
Another pieces are inspired by nature and make small things like a pod or pomegranate slices monumental in bronze, putting these things, that are often overlooked as not important, on pedestal.
Dina Torrans, Treasure in the Wildwoods, bronze, 24 x 40 x 16 cm. Courtesy of the Canadian Sculpture Centre
Torrans’ exhibition successfully represents the artist’s work, its many directions and mediums.
*Exhibition information: ARTEFACTS: Ecofacts and Geolife / Solo Exhibition by Dina Torrans, November 10 – December 2, 2016, Canadian Sculpture Centre, 500 Church Street. Gallery hours: Tue – Fri: 12 – 6, Sat: 11 – 4 pm.