Exposition Renaissance

July 14, 2009

Sculpture installion for Exposition Renaissance at Centre Culturel Jacques Auger, Hull QC

Okay, so I have been chastened. I was supposed to deliver Interaction on Monday, July 13. Oops. I got a gruff call from Jeah-H. Guilmette, the president of the CSQ and the organizer of the show, asking where my sculpture was, the show is almost completely mounted and there's not much space left. Yipes! So I loaded it into the car (thankfully, another sculpture that fits in the Subaru) and made haste.

Jean-H. let me in and watched me unpack the monster fan I've been using to blow a wind that makes my lady look like a superhero. He looked critically at it as told me blunted it was ugly, it didn't compliment my sculpture, and should be replaced. So I tucked my tail between my legs and went to track down a new fan. I found a nifty new one at Giant Tiger (how convenient!) and went back home to get some wire and tools. I mounted it under the bike wheel and it looks great. The folks mounting the show even helped me with the ingenious power cord wrapping so it could be plugged in but the cord wouldn't be seen.


See the little fan just under the wheel between her feet? Much nicer. Jean-H. was right. Thank you! The new fan blows a gentler breeze. It looks subtle and ethereal. I like it.

Here's some photos of the room.


Here's a view from the far side of the room, facing my sculpture. See it – the tiny wire lady in the middle background? Behind the man with the balloon and the wooden “X”?

And here's a view of the room from where my sculpture is.



Opening night tomorrow from 5 to 7 pm. Will I see you there?

Recycl'Art 2009 in Montpellier QC

July 11, 2009

Opening day at Recycl'Art 2009 in Montpellier, QC

We were able to take the Subaru to this setup because the Window fits in the back. We were aiming to be there in time for me to attend the Conseil's annual general meeting at 11:30, but the rainy weather and last-minute packing delayed our arrival to 12:30, too late!

That's Jean-H., the president of the Conseil de la sculpture de Quebec.

We had lots of time for setup, though! So we pounded green T-stakes into the ground, using the cemetery as a backdrop and angling the piece so it would be visible on approach from the front of the gallery and the indoor displays. Here I am with the mounted Window. That's my comments box in my hands – I'll have to come back every now and again to check it's still dry and stocked with Sharpies.




After installation we had the afternoon to eat, visit with patrons and other artists and view the other sculptures on display. What an array of talent in the group of sculptors! This show gets better every year. There's more shots of the day here, but here's a little preview for you.



It's utterly amazing, I assure you. Come see.

Installing stained glass at Arthéna

July 9, 2009

Installing stained glass at Arthéna in Old Chelsea, QC

With my stained glass already packaged from its return from art09 in Toronto, I loaded it all in the car and was off the Arthéna on Thursday afternoon to hang it in the gallery.

I discovered the shop had acquired a new glass mosaic artist since my last visit, and two panels were already in the windows (including in the front window space I had plans to hang my panels in that you see as you first come in the door – too bad!). There were many other windows to hang my pieces in, however, and it looks great!

Here's the panels mounted in the other front window, deeper in the gallery. I like having the displays in front.

I hung two mirror-mounted pieces on the wall beside another large window, and the small and medium-sized squares on either side of the mosaic in the bow window facing the parking lot. Then I used the remaining window (conveniently on eye level with the entrance to Olivier, the soap shop behind the gallery) to display the framed and unframed vignettes. The Vignettes in the white frames hang down straight, with the frames hanging at a 45 degree angle. It's a nice visual when viewed from below.
I returned to pick up the large blue panel for repair (the solder had broken and a piece had slipped out of place) yesterday, and Capucine, the manager, told me she has received many positive comments about my stained glass. I think the larger pieces will encourage custom orders and bump the sales of the smaller, more affordable Vignettes and squares.

What do you think?

Inspiration on vacation, Gatineau Dragon Boat Festival, Aylmer Garden Tour 2009

July 2, 2009 - On Vacation

We're on a family vacation week, visiting with my husband's relatives in northern Ontario. I'm on the porch of a rented cottage at Panorama Camp in Lavigne, Ontario, typing merrily away on my Mac. The water in front of me is calm and gorgeous.

My husband is out on the boat. My daughter has disappeared into the trailer section of the park, having a great time with her new friends. Time for a blog update!

Saturday, June 27, 2009 - Gatineau Dragon Boat Festival

After five days of vacation, we packed the Dragon sculpture in the truck and took it to the Gatineau Dragon Boat Festival at Lac Leamy. The event is the major fundraiser for Centre C.A.R.M.E.N., a therapy and support centre that provides services to chronically and critically ill patients and their families.

Art therapy is a large part of their services. My Dragon was at their media evening last year. When the Centre's director called me again this year I was pleased to help promote the event.

You couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. Sunshine, warm, but not hot. Perfect! We set up the sculpture in the middle of the team encampments, along the path everyone used to get to the races. I removed the barrier from the front of the area and encouraged folks to pose with and investigate the Dragon (which this little guy did quite thoroughly!).

I put out a can for voluntary donations and managed to collect a small amount for their fundraising activities. Here's Master Shi-Fu, philosophising about the event:

Have you ever been to a Dragon Boat race? Four teams race at a time, and the same four boats are used for all the races. The rowers come in all shapes and sizes. There are XX rowers per boat, and a at the front to set the pace of the paddling. The trick for maximum speed is to get all the rowers synchronized. It's a great physical activity.

July 5, 2009 - Aylmer Garden and Art Tour

On my 12th wedding anniversary (!!), my artsy friend Christine Armstrong and I spent the afternoon at this wonderful show.

Christine and I were hosted at Sylvie and Louis' house. Sylvie has recently opened a flower and garden decoration shop beside the KFC in Aylmer and her garden is gorgeous! And especially attractive for me, especially since I discovered I live right around the corner. The show was within walking distance from my house - I couldn't have asked for more.

There was enough space in the garden for the three of us (Christine, Sylvie and me) to be stationed at different points along the visit. I was at the entrance to welcome visitors, Christine was in the middle of the yard and Sylvie was down by the ponds, Bontanix Guide in hand, answering questions about the wonderful plantings. We hung stained glass and Christine's impressive dragonfly sculpture/painting in the trees and tucked sculptures around the pond.

My large Dragon sculpture was placed in front of the pool fence and commanded attention. I hung stained glass fish across her bridge to keep the giant koi in her pond company. It all looked great!

We welcomed a steady stream of visitors all day, right until the end. There were two talented young violin players who did a tour of the six gardens, playing music at each one - it was beautiful. I would be a good idea to have more music next year.

I do think the event could leverage the artist's own invitation lists to incite more ticket sales next year (yes, I would be interested in attending again next year - I enjoyed it, despite my new strappy suntan.). I wasn't sure how much I should promote, as I got the impression the organizers may have been trying to keep the event low key for the first time out. Having tickets available at all locations would allow passers-by to purchase tickets.

If the show opens earlier in the day, I would need more time to set up. I was still setting out jewellery when the first visitors arrived. I have a lot of small things and hanging things and things that need pedestals and such. I didn't get a chance to change! Here's a photo of me in my shelter. I sold two of the little stained glass vignettes on the table. One gentleman seemed pleased and slightly surprised he was buying art. Go figure.

July 8, 2009 - new big and little sculptures!

I'm starting a new sculpture in response to the Kempenfest request for bigger sculptures. It's an American Alligator Snapping Turtle! Here's the beginnings of his body and the upper shell. I'm already incorporating all the recycled wire I can find (and got off those little things they're wound on - and out of that flaky glue!). I'm looking forward to fleshing it out.

And I made a new sad-looking hedgehog from telephone wire, with transistors for eyes.

Oh, and some Butterfly kisses to say goodbye.

Cheers,

Lisa