By Zoe Evamy
Published: Dec. 22, 2012
All that glitters isn’t gold, but there is plenty of sparkle and shine in the Winter White exhibit now showing at the Artisan Gallery on Main Street in downtown Squamish.
An eclectic mix of raw and found materials, sterling silver, loom woven copper wire, metal scraps, up-cycled fabrics, work gloves spray painted silver, semi-precious stones and paint on canvas demonstrate how imagination and skill can result in beautifully finished, original pieces of art.
Winter White is a celebration of raw potential and creativity.
White represents a blanket of fresh winter snow, a clean sheet of paper or canvas, the seasonal cycles of rebirth and renewal.
The Artisan Window Gallery is across the road (Main Street) from the Library. It is most conspicuous at night time when the 24 hour gallery lighting really comes into effect.
Passersby and local residents are treated to a colourful, rotating display of art work year round. This exhibition space is the result of an amenity contribution requirement by DOS during the development stages with Talisman Homes.
The three way partnership between DOS, the SAC and Talisman Homes resulted in 80 linear feet of exhibition space being offered to the art community in Squamish.
It was intended to benefit local artists as well as residents and the general public.
The first window holds a collection of sterling silver jewellery designed and hand crafted by local artist Susan Remnant. Her work is inspired by the sensuous repetitions, graceful irregularities and intricate details of botanical forms. Next, you will find a series of oil paintings by painter, master goldsmith and gilder Dariusz Bebel. These large abstracted canvases are early works using a contrast of texture, colour, scale and rhythm with alter like structures as the central theme.
Next, you will find a series of oil paintings by International Jewellery designer, painter and master gilder Dariusz Bebel.
These paintings are early works, made to support the development of design motifs used in his jewellery design. Susan and Dariusz share a common theme of contrasting texture, colour, scale and rhythm.
At the North end of the building, and to the right of the residential entrance you will find exhibits by artists Fran Solar, Karen Yaremkewich and Linda Wagner.
Salvaged materials are used in unexpected ways giving a fresh insight into traditional textile arts. Linda Wagner’s abstract oil painting, ‘Getting the Blues’ adds a dash of colour and energy. Linda Wagner’s abstract oil painting, ‘Getting the Blues’ adds a splash of colour and playful energy.
The Artisan Gallery is managed by the Squamish Arts Council and is an extension of its Public art Program.
The arts council encourages local artists, arts and culture groups to propose new exhibits for 2013.
An official call for proposals will be put out in January and will be available on the organization’s new website: www.squamishartscouncil.com
