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I have always been an artist and I have developed a passion for photography as a visual avenue of expression and enablement that has been my mainstay for the past 50 years.
Art has been with me all my life.
Upon arriving in Canada at the age of seven and living in a rural setting, education was a valued commodity and consumed my early years. I experienced great art teachers who empowered me to my goal of becoming an art educator.
My youth was composed of hard labour and school. Being raised by my mother and two stepfathers, I focused on independence as soon as I graduated from university.
Although the opportunities were available to continue with further education, the real world was calling me to enjoy the fruits of my labour.
After working in northern Saskatchewan for eight years, I moved to the Battlefords in 1980. I worked in administration at the local college until 2000 and during that time until the present I have been a sessional lecturer with the University of Saskatchewan for the Department of Art and Art history.听
I also worked for the City of North Battleford until 2012 at the Allen Sapp Gallery and Chapel Gallery. For the majority of that time I was the curator of the Chapel Gallery.
It is in this community that my wife Sharon and I raised our two daughters, Tess and Tayla.听
I have become known as an art photographer who pays attention to water as a subject of admiration. I have had exhibitions throughout the province in about 15 galleries during my years as a photographer.
Upon retirement in August of 2012 I used mask making as a transitional form of therapy. 听This current body of decorative and wearable masks is unique 听in form and expression use papier-m芒ch茅 to create the physique of the mask and the applying fabric, paint, glue and some 鈥渇ound鈥� materials to enhance the outer layer of each mask.
In future I am to be working on wearable masks that cover a portion of the human face and they will assimilate the wearer and the outer mask persona.听
As the onlooker, I hope you delight in my creations that deliver me a venue of critique, empowerment and community.
I currently have a working studio on 101st Street in North Battleford called ARC (artist run centre), where my works are on display and can be viewed Fridays from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturdays from noon until 4 p.m.
Art Notes
Ten Battlefords Art Club artists were present Tuesday working on individual projects.
The annual Christmas lunch will be held at Pennydale Junction at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16. It will be a great time for all with a card and gift exchange.
Many exciting workshops have been planned by the Chapel Gallery for the New Year.
As we approach the festive season, art club members extend their Christmas cheer to all. The club will be meeting again Tuesday, Dec. 9 and 16 and then resume our sessions Jan. 6.
