The first group of the 30th anniversary clay-bord ‘Midnight Black Wolf’ flew off the shelf. They were ready for shipping May 23rd and were all gone by the 28th. We were talking to Robert Bateman, marvelling over how close to the clay-bords are to his original work. In a departure from our usual operating procedure, but not at all uncommon in the art reproduction industry, Mr. Bateman’s signature is on a label adhered to the back of the piece along with a signed and numbered certificate of authenticity. The decision to minimize the modification of the image with the number only, minimizes the modified impact as a whole on the painting. It lets the art speak for itself by minimizing the footprint. Of course, Robert’s original painted signature on Midnight Black Wolf has been reproduced and is where we’ve been hand numbering the clay-bords.
We’re all the more excited for the soon to arrive clay-bords of ‘Golden Crowned Kinglet & Rhododendron.’ They’re in the final stages of colour matching with Bateman and the printer. The Kinglets too will share this new signature on the back style along with the signed and numbered certificate. Another factor in the exclusive signature process with the clay-bord substrate is the transportation carbon footprint. Robert Bateman’s lifelong mission has been one of conservation and environmental protection. Due to the collective weight of the clay-bords, a cross continent trip from Milwaukee, the printer, to British Columbia, for Robert to sign, back to us in Ontario, for distribution, was going to do more environmental harm than good.
David Hind’s debut of his ‘Between the Two Rows’ at the Art Gallery of Hamilton was a smash. The massive aluminum quilted mural was a collaborative effort between David and his community at large. Elements of the mural were worked on by members of the Aluminum Quilting Society, an art collaborative. The nature of the group effort speaks directly to the introspective nature of the questions being asked. Who am I? Who are we? What was our ancestors’ relationship like before us and how is that relationship going to be like now? The symbolic composition of the two canoes, the two cultures of the indigenous Haudenosaunee and the European settlers to Canada, comments on the original 17th century peace agreements between the two societies. A three hundred year old relationship fraught with trespass, nuance, and no easy solutions. The ten foot by twenty foot piece conveys the monumental task behind and ahead while also presenting the beauty of the people involved. It is a message of sorrow and hope. It will be on display until September 29th at The Art Gallery of Hamilton.
David Grieve has stretched out to redefine his style in the artistic exploration. His new ‘Wagi Jumping Rock #25’ is 54” X 85” is a mosaic, stained-glass look at northern Canadian Shield. His bold stroke style almost seems to have morphed into each colour being encased in its own world. Find us on Instagram and let us know what you think. David is on Instagram under @grieveart. His art is always on display in its various stages of progress.
Dominik Modlinski has been on an inspirational frenzy creating some exceptionally vibrant pieces. “Northern Reds”, a 48” X 48”, is a stellar contrast between red and blue. Forest and Mountain. Fore and back ground. Pushing the colours of the natural world just beyond the edge of reality is one of Modlinski’s many gifts. Check in on our Instagram, and Dominik Modlinski’s Instagram (@dmodlinski), to see his latest works and adventures. Check him out on Facebook too.
