Arbor Gallery invites the public to contemplate the interplay of two very different mediums with Bent Light: An Exhibition of Fine Blown Glass and Fibre, featuring Vankleek Hill residents Ian Hepburn and Eric Davy. Davy’s hard yet sculptural glass forms and Hepburn’s soft, enveloping handwoven textiles converse using the languages of light and colour in this unique exhibition which runs from November 21 to December 15.
Davy has developed his craft through many years of experimentation with the depths of colour and shapes possible through the mysterious fusion of heat and sand. Says Davy of his glass-blowing practice, “The heat in the shop and intensity of the process is invigorating. Glass has taught me to be Zen: it takes time to produce a beautiful piece and only seconds to ruin it. Nothing lasts forever, and glass is an exquisite representation of this life truth.”
“For centuries, the spinner at the wheel, the dyer at her vat, and the weaver at his loom have blended their arts to clothe and adorn us,” shares Hepburn. “As a handweaver living in the digital age, I strive to bring to my work something of the spirit of joy felt by all who work with their hands.”
Hepburn, a music teacher, was first exposed to weaving through local master-weaver Yvonne Perrault. Over the years, his pieces have been sold through craft galleries across the country and been given as diplomatic gifts from the Government of Canada.
The public is invited to meet Ian Hepburn and Eric Davy at the Bent Light vernissage on November 23 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Additionally, during this exhibition month, the artists’ glass and fibre artworks will create an exquisite backdrop for a special concert featuring Hepburn on Celtic harp and visiting musician Debbie Danbrook on shakuhachi (Japanese flute), entitled “Footsteps in the Snow”. The concert –which will be guided by an improvisational spirit, with listeners being invited to “close their eyes and follow the sounds wherever they go” – takes place on November 30 at 7 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm); tickets cost $25 or $20 for Gallery members and need to be reserved by contacting [email protected] or 613-518-2787.
For more information about the exhibition or the concert, visit www.arborgallery.org. Arbor Gallery is located at 36 Home Avenue in Vankleek Hill.
