MOOSE MOUNTAIN PROVINCIAL PARK - During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ray Boutin was one of many people looking for something to do when all the restrictions were put in place. At that time, he began his journey into this unique art.
Boutin is a familiar face in the Carlyle area, as he is in real estate with his Performance Realty office. Living north of Carlyle on Highway 9, Boutin is also the owner and operator of the Prairie Dog Drive In Theatre, which is one of five left operating in Saskatchewan.
Boutin’s art consists of sea glass and sharks' teeth, wrapped delicately in wire, creating a piece of work that blends nature and human craftsmanship.
Making Mexican dream catchers as well, his pieces create a story with their faces and specially-placed sea glass.
“It is a humble start into the art world, but I will have it on display nonetheless,” said Boutin.
If the spirits move him, he will craft some of his special art while he is at the Artist's Colony of Moose Mountain Provincial Park from July 30 until Aug. 5.
He finds working on the pieces relaxing and engaging, and if he ends up in Mexico over the following winters, he will continue to make the wire-wrapped creations.
Boutin will also have Frijo’s history of Kenosee, which is a reproduction of the original displayed at the Kenosee Boys' and Girls' Camp.
He feels this alone is worth the trip to stop in and read the rich history as presented by Frijo.
Being enthusiastic about many artists, he has several pieces hanging in his office which are both local and from afar.
Luibov Kuptsova is an artist living in war torn Ukraine with her husband Durniev and family. While Boutin was on vacation in Victoria, B.C., his friend had all this beautiful art hanging in his home, and it turned out he was the agent for Kuptsova.
Being intrigued by the art, Boutin had several pieces sent to him, one being the Happy Cow. This piece has travelled to many places in Saskatchewan, and it was enjoyed so much, that Boutin had the rights to reproduce three more of the pieces.
With each of Kuptsova’s pieces that are sold, half the proceeds are donated to the Kenosee Kitchen Party Music Camp and the other half goes to Kuptsova to support her family.
Kuptsova has said that after the explosion of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station, the water treatment plants are not functioning as needed. They have no water during the day and power is on intermittently. The water they do get is extremely poor quality and the prices of things have skyrocketed.
Kuptsova feels that art and music have the power to change the world and she hopes this comes sooner rather than later.
Boutin looks forward to his time at the Artist Colony, to show his work, share the history of Kenosee, promote local art and showcase the art of Liubov Kuptsova.
