I attended Vancouver Art School, now called the Emily Carr College of Art, in the early 70`s, where I studied painting and metal sculpture. After graduating I traveled to Europe and then returned to Vancouver and set up a studio. Feeling the need for change, I moved to Toronto in 1978. A studio in a downtown warehouse enabled me to create larger work and I began experimenting with pouring paint onto canvases stretched on the floor. In these works the interaction of colour became my main focus. It was during this time that I met my wife Carol. When she became pregnant we started looking for a place in the country outside Toronto. It turned out to be Cape Breton. At this time I was beginning to feel a need for more structure in my work. On our arrival in Cape Breton I fell in love with the landscape and so I worked in that direction for a number of years.
About the Art
With different shapes, forms and colours, I try to express ideas and emotions. My intention is to touch and excite the imagination. Until we can imagine a possibility it is not likely to happen. For me the idea is the most important part of the process, rather than the result. With any luck the tangible piece will faithfully represent the idea, usually with some twist that the process itself introduces. In this way my art happens.
Several years ago, I responded to the ever-present need to change and began to experiment and study three-dimensional forms which has led to my most recent work, sculptures of metal, fiberglass and cement.
There have been many shifts in my work over the years but the basic underlying drive remains the same; that is to touch and excite the imagination.
Studio
The gallery is open 10am to 6pm June to October. Other times, please call ahead.
Driving into Sydney on the Trans Canade Highway 125, take exit 11 onto the Cabot Trail and its approximately 18 km to Tarbot where you`ll find Iron Art & Photographs.
