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Handworks Gallery Presents Solo Exhibition by NB Artist Tim Isaac
April 27, 2018 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Handworks Gallery is pleased to present a solo exhibition featuring the stunning work of well-known NB Artist, Tim Isaac. The collection of work titled “Elemental Balance: The Power of the Mandala, will be revealed at the opening reception on Friday, April 27th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. at 12 King St. Saint John, NB. The reception is open to the general public.
The mandalas are a combination of Raku and stone mosaics. “The size of the pieces range from as large as 4’x4’, to as small as 1×1’, this will be quite a spectacular collection to see all together”, said Elizabeth Cook, Gallery Manager. “We will be extending the gallery to the foyer of CenterBeam Place to accommodate on opening night.” The show duration will be until May 11th.
Artist Statement:
“I’ve lived a creative life as a ceramic artist on New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy for 26 years. Its’ influence is stronger than ever in my newest work. Producing these mandalas has been a great opportunity to combine my love of raku firing, collecting rocks and seashells, and working with design and patterns. I work and live in the midst of the four elements – earth, fire, air and water. These powerful influences have come together in this show of new work, ’Elemental Balance – The Power of the Mandala’.
Each piece begins with hand rolling clay, then laying and joining the clay slabs together to form the overall shape of the piece. The clay is sometimes left smooth, and other times I texture the surface by pressing rocks, seashells, even fossils into the surface.
I measure and sketch a design on the surface, deciding which clay will be removed and later filled with rock. This first firing is done in an electric kiln and transforms the clay into a harder and stronger form.
Raku is a unique and exciting method of firing. My technique is to heat the tiles rapidly to about 1000 degrees C. in a gas kiln. This technique is dramatic and results in largely unpredictable colors and effects on the pieces. I remove the tiles and scrub off the soot from the surface with sand and water to reveal the beauty of the glazes.
The tiles are cemented to plywood, and rocks are carefully chosen, arranged, and also cemented in place. It’s a satisfying and meditative task – I enjoy the search for a combination of rocks, shells, and fossils that are in harmony with the colors and design of the tiles.
I hope that each piece will resonate with the viewer as I strive to create a harmonious balance and invoke a deeper appreciation of nature, a ‘wonderous state of mind’, through the power of the Mandala.
I gratefully acknowledge ArtsNB for supporting my creation of this new body of work.”
About the Artist: Tim Isaac
Originally from Manitoba, Tim Isaac has made his home on the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick. The rugged shore and wild energy of the coast drew him here and continues to inspire his work. He’s a prolific and accomplished Raku potter, known for his originality and unique style. Tim has also collaborated extensively with artist Karin Bach over the years, producing the popular ‘Fish by Fire’ line of work. He is not only a potter but sings and plays the cello in the iconic roots duo “Isaac & Blewett” as well as pop duo “Lovestorm”.
About Handworks Gallery:
Handworks Gallery, established in 1990, is located at 12 King St. Saint John, NB and represents over 90 artists in fine art, fine craft and fine jewellery. You can visit the gallery’s online store at www.handworks.ca.
Media Contact: Elizabeth Cook, 506-631-7626,Elizabeth.Cook@handworks.ca