Toronto Craft Alert

EXHIBITION:
Let Them Eat Cake

February 4 – March 21, 2010 at the Ontario Crafts Council Gallery
Please join us for the opening reception on Thursday, February 4, 5:30 – 8:30 pm

An Exhibition of Fine Sterling Silver Objects to Adorn the Home and Body

Susan Watson Ellis and Todd Jeffrey Ellis together have over 50 years of experience in the metal working field. Jovially named Let Them Eat Cake, the exhibition shows off individual directions in their works as they have evolved since moving from their cramped Toronto Studio to their creativity-inspiring, spacious new studio in the Haliburton Highlands where they play together nicely – most of the time! Although their works have different focuses Susan and Jeffrey are discovering a greater interchange of technical and design approaches in their larger and long dreamt of studio.

Susan’s pieces reflect her long time passion and expertise in chain making from the extravagant chainmaille top made from over 40,000 tiny silver links, to the grandiose chain curtain showcasing traditional and her own forged link designs.  A regal gemstone encrusted sterling silver evening bag, and multi-gemstone and sterling fabricated neckpieces pay tribute to her love of natural stones which take on a central theme in many of her works.  As a studio jeweller for over thirty years this exhibition has given Susan the opportunity to explore much larger and more significant pieces than her normal production work affords.

Jeffrey’s pieces explore many new combinations of the time honored techniques of silversmithing. Chasing and repousse have been taken to new levels as he skillfully makes use of them in a sculptural figurative series of fine art pieces. Wax carving expertise is applied through figures incorporated into candle sticks and a cake plate. His raising abilities are evident in his off-center martini pitcher, tea service and wine glass set that show his mastery of synclastic and aniclastic forms. Jeffrey’s forms also become organic as they extrude from natural wood specimens encrusted with natural rock formations to become elaborate candle holders, vases and center pieces.

Together the works strive to reflect a longing to create beautiful handmade works that will stand the test of time – a quiet revolution against mass produced soulless objects.

For more information contact Janna Hiemstra at jhiemstra@craft.on.ca or 416-925-4222 ext 225.

Special thanks to Dufflet Pastries for providing an assortment of treats for the opening.

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CRAFTY CHAT:
Craft: Shifting Directions

Thursday, February 11, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
OCAD, Room 230, 100 McCaul Street

Join us for a panel discussion where five perspectives come into play to discuss craft, its relationship to art and design and the shifting directions of the disciplines.

Melanie Egan, Head, Craft Studios, Harbourfront Centre
Eric Nay, Associate Dean and Assistant Professor, Liberal Studies, OCAD
Julie Nicholson, Design product retailer, Co-owner MADE, Toronto
Lily Yung, Craft artist/researcher in computer aided design and manufacturing, Toronto
Susan Warner Keene, Moderator, Studio artist, and instructor

Attendance is free. For more information please contact Janna Hiemstra at jhiemstra@craft.on.ca, or 416-925-4222 ext 225.

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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS:
Made of Wood Show

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, March 5, 2010

All woodworkers are invited to apply for the 9th annual Made of Wood Show, taking place in the village of Erin, Ontario from April 17 – May 9, 2010.  This exhibition will highlight a selection of Canada’s finest woodworkers and will run in conjunction with wood demonstrations, seminars and workshops in the community of Erin. The Made of Wood Show is proudly sponsored by the Ontario Crafts Council, the Erin B.I.A and the Burdette Gallery.

To apply, please sign up for a free Artist Front account at www.artistfront.com.  The complete call for entry can be viewed at http://artistfront.lwcr.com/artcontest/billboard.aspx?id=2031

Contact: Jim Lorriman at bpstudio@artscolony.on.ca or Mary Calarco at mcalarco@craft.on.ca