The Blaine Lake Centennial Monument committee has introduced the artist who was selected to design, create and complete the monument for the town's centennial monument project.
The committee had chosen a stook of wheat to represent its pioneers in celebration of the community's centennial.
Patricia Shiplett was awarded the contract for the project and she has contracted Kevin Quinlan, fellow artist, to assist her in the building of the pre-designed monument. Work is currently underway on the creating of wheat stalks for the stook.
Shiplett's passion was easily transferred to the committee members as she met to discuss the requirements and expectations. The signing of the contract was the first in the series of steps leading to the final unveiling in August of 2012.
Shiplett is a prolific multi-media artist specializing in sculpture. Her works are held in public and private corporations throughout Canada, United States and Japan. Her passion for sculpture developed at an early age when she would witness her mother carve eight foot snow carvings of the Nativity scene at their home in North Battleford. Her love for the three dimensional architecturally pleasing structures enhances her ability to create substantial works of art that can be seen throughout Saskatchewan.
Colour is her signature mark and the ability to create an artificial composite of golden wheat will permit Shiplett's creation to bear a striking resemblance to its natural counterpart.
Her thirst for knowledge is evident as she continues to enrol as a part time student in fine arts classes at the University of Saskatchewan working towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
"Every waking moment is a constant source of discovery; it's a blessed state of being that permeates and overshadows every aspect of my life" comments Shiplett.
Quinlan has worked as a professional artist and art teacher in Saskatchewan for over 30 years. He works in drawing, painting and sculpture media with features at the Western Development Museum and outdoor public places in Saskatoon, North Battleford and Watrous. His oil, watercolour, acrylic and egg tempera paintings are visible in both private and public collections.
"Art strives to connect what we see to what we feel," comments Quinlan, adding figurative art connects the model, the artist and viewer in a most intimate way.
The two artists will utilize their individualistic skills and expertise to enhance the aesthetic beauty of the Blaine Lake location along Highway 40.
The committee sent out a request for proposal in the fall of 2010 and received 11 submissions from nine artists. Criteria requested the artwork have a strong visual presence as the highly visual sculptural work would have to be of high quality and durability to withstand the elements of time and Saskatchewan weather. The committee reviewed all the submissions and narrowed the selection down to two. These candidates were then asked to submit a maquette of their envisioned project for final review and selection.
Blaine Lake Centennial Monument committee was a successful recipient a 'Building Communities through Arts and Heritage Program-Legacy Fund' grant in the amount of $43,750 to assist with the building of the project. The committee has to raise its share of funding.
Watch for progress reports in future issues of the Regional Optimist.
