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Art at Filmport Studios By Don Young For many of the cast and crew on film and television productions, it is either having more work than time, or no work and time. Many of these creative people have overcome the problem by becoming artists in their free time. From October 3rd to 18th, their personal work is on display on Stage #7 at the new Filmport Studio Complex. Patricia Chard formed ‘off camera’ to present the artwork of film technicians last year during the Toronto International Film Festival. This year her organization is presenting Art at Filmport Studios in October, after the excitement of TIFF has receded, to give people an event where they can casually browse the work of the fifty-seven craftsmen (and craftswomen) on display. As curator, Patricia led the many volunteers that spend several days setting up the displays. It was hard to see everything on display and give it a fair viewing in one evening. The artists are mostly available and eager to explain their passion and the works they brought to display. As Patricia Chard told me as we discussed the show, “It is intended to show the skills beyond what they do on film; it’s one great idea that blossoms.” I hesitate to tell what you’ll find there, as for every person I mention; there are ten more people with exceptionally beautiful work that do not get mentioned. There’s just too much talent in one spot at one time. But I will try. The biggest piece in the show is Henry Benvenuti’s painting, perhaps correctly referred to as a mural. The subject is New York on Sept. 11th, and people in a high-rise office. I need say nothing more as the painting tells the story. It’s big and it’s great! Several of the artists told me what they felt was the best work in the show, and directed me over to see Gordon Becker’s sculpture titled, “Black Dancer.” Suspended from the ceiling, this life size sculpture was like nothing I’ve ever seen. Carved from Basswood, Red Pine and Maple, this piece is very dynamic. Gordon told me that a part of the power of this work, he feels, comes from the hair, which he selected from a tree that had been struck by lightning. One person who was totally enthralled by this art was a young girl of about four years old. It was like the Dancer was speaking to her and she shared what she heard with me. It’s a piece of art one cannot ignore. In the next aisle were the paintings and sculpture of Erin Leslie, the co-curator of the show. While she had also spent several days preparing the show, she still had a tremendous enthusiasm to share her artwork. One was a sculpture of a donkey that appeared like a pewter casting. Another that I found entrancing was “Gargoyle,” a sculpture that was used to scan in a 360-degree image to computer for use in CGI on the film, “Resident Evil, Apocalypse.” It looks like sandstone, but many things in film are not like they seem. Erin’s paintings of trees were equally appealing. Come down and see them. Another sculpture and painter was Tatjana Hutinec, with her heads of characters in Greek mythology. Her Yemanja and Poseidan mixed media sculptures are well worth a moment of study. She’ll gladly share the mythology with you. Marina Reshetnikova displayed her sculptures/creative works made of limestone, soapstone, bronze, sand and metal sculpture. Very original and intriguing. Another sculpter, well represented at the show was Walter Woloschuk. His body sculptures in bronze and aluminum (and stone) are not to be missed. Another set of sculptures not to miss is David Ferguson with his forged and welded steel pieces. And don’t miss Gord Elliston’s carved walking sticks and canes. Very nice craftsmanship. And Andrew Lindell’s caribou antler sculpture. And I almost forgot Ian Worling’s blown glass lamps. They’re all worth the price of admission to see. Wait a moment! There is no admission fee. So let’s move on to paintings. There we so many and all were beautiful. If I start naming some of them, I’ll be going all night. I should mention Patricia Chards acrylics, which I liked, but I was even more impressed with her ink and wash “Life Drawing” and her woodcut “Abandoned.” And I want to mention many more of the painters, and the photographers, and Trelawnie Mead’s gloves, and Melanie Ennist’s mixed media assemblages. And then I can’t forget Mark Stafford, singing and playing the blues on his harmonica. He’s on display as well, alive and kicking. And I don’t have the space to give everyone exhibiting in the show his or her due credit. So I’ll give you the link below to the online catalogue: http://www.offcameraatfilmport2008.blogspot.com/ It includes the times and days the show will be open. It is time well spent to visit this display and talk to the artists. Take the whole family. Everyone is welcome. The show is sponsored by IATSE local 873, Directors Guild of Canada, Ontario, Ontario Paint and Wallpaper, 299 Queen St. E., Toronto. And in case I forgot to mention, admission is free. Thank you, off camera. |