"Shield Awakening" at The Algonquin Art Centre

Brian's maple burl sculpture "Shield Awakening" is part of the Algonquin Art Centre's Canadian Shield  exhibition. It will be on display every day from June 1st until October 19th, from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 pm at the Algonquin Art Centre, located on km. 20 in Algonquin Provincial Park. 

 Brian described "Shield Awakening" for the show:

"A land of rock scraped smooth and exposed by the ancient action of glaciers, the Canadian Shield is rich in lakes, rivers and forests.  Coniferous and deciduous trees root themselves in the thin rocky soil left behind and their vibrant reds, golds and greens define the land.  Beneath the canopy, a thick carpet of moss and lichen forms on the rocks and trees.The forces of wind, harsh climate and exposed bedrock awaken the strength, spirit and textures of the forest.  The maple burl, with its rugged natural edge, reveals the beauty within the tree as it spreads its roots and clings to the granite."
 

 

The rocks of the Canadian Shield are everywhere as Brian and I hike along the trails near our home.  Last fall, as we were discussing the upcoming theme of the Algonquin Art Centre, we discovered this huge piece of granite in the forest.  It was perfect as the base for Brian's sculpture. 

 

 

 A few friends with strong arms helped to carry the rock to the studio.

 

Maples, with their burls and moss-covered bark, thrive on the Canadian Shield.  Brian turned the burl on the lathe with the intention of maintaining some of the bark and lichen in its original form.

 

The rugged outer surface of the bark with the complex textures of the forest is a contrast to the beauty of the finished inner core of the burl.

 

Maple Burl on the Lathe

 

The next stage of creating the sculpture was to design a stand which would capture the spirit of the Canadian Shield and illustrate the connection between the granite base and the maple burl bowl.

 

Brian worked with blacksmith artist Matt Church at The Artisan's Gallery to incorporate all the necessary elements of roots clinging to exposed granite, upraised branches and maple leaves.

Brian's creative inspiration for "Shield Awakening" was his love of the forests, rocks and landscapes of the Canadian Shield and its natural outcroppings of wood and rock.  We hope that you have an opportunity see the exhibition at the Algonquin Art Centre.

 

Shield Awakening

 

MAST Art Show at the Summit Centre

Brian Markham-Woodturner

Brian is pleased to have his work displayed in the MAST Art Show at the Summit Centre in Huntsville.  The most recent work of the twenty-four artists of the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour will be on exhibit until August 13, 2013.

Bigleaf Maple Burl Platter

Brian's Bigleaf Maple Burl platter is a piece of art which can be used to display and serve food.  The polished finish reveals the extraordinary markings, rich variations in colour and the natural raw edge.

 

HAS Spring Ahead Art Show

Spring is finally here in Muskoka after a very late start.  The ice went out this week and we awaken to birdsong and hear the sounds of peepers at night. 

The Huntsville Art Society celebrated the season with their "Spring Ahead" Art Show and featured a selection of the fine art of local artists and artisans.

Brian Markham with Maple Burl Sculpture

Brian was thrilled to win the People's Choice "Best in Show" award for his maple burl sculpture "Shield Awakening" in the foreground.

Brian was also presented the Award of Excellence for Best in Woodworking for his Redwood Burl platter.

 

Brian Markham with Redwood Burl Platter

The Huntsville Art Society is an exciting and active club with over 100 enthusiastic members who share their artistic skills and knowledge in a rewarding fellowship. HAS artists work in all types of media. This dynamic group is comprised of a full range of skills; from creative individuals who are just beginning, to full-time professionals.  The efforts of the Huntsville Art Society creates opportunities and events to promote the growth of the arts in our community.

www.huntsvilleartsociety.ca

 

It's Almost Spring in Muskoka

It has been a very long winter in Muskoka and spring is just around the corner.  Brian and I enjoy winter on Rebecca with the cold, crisp and sunny weather.  We make the most of the season as we love curling, ice fishing and cross country skiing, but in April, we want the ice and snow to be gone.

We cheated this year by spending part of the winter in Key West where Brian was able to ride his bike daily and put 2000 kilometres on the bike.  But now, Brian is back in the workshop and turning burls on the lathe.

Brian is currently getting ready for the summer studio tours but he has work on display at the Summit Centre in Huntsville in an exhibit of the Artists of the Limberlost and their guest artists.



Two Raw-Edge Maple Burl bowls

For more information about the work of the Artists of the Limberlost, go to:

www.artistsofthelimberlost.ca

 

 



Black Cherry Raw Edge Platter

Brian's eyes are constantly moving when he hikes in the forest because burls are often the hidden treasure, found near the roots, on the back side of the tree or high in the branches.  This burl was discovered on a fallen cherry tree not far from our cottage.  Black cherry has distinctive rough-edged raised bark which looks like it has been in a forest fire.

 

Black Cherry burl platter

 

The burl was fairly large and flat and Brian was able to turn a unique raw edge platter with whorling grain and dramatic variations in colour.  

 

 

The top of the platter is beautiful but it has even more character when you turn it upside down.  It has a small pedestal, bark inclusions and the unique texture of the black cherry tree.

Raw Edge Sugar Maple Bowl

 

 

 

Sugar Maple is a hardwood maple tree, with deeply furrowed dark bark, found throughout Ontario.  We all love this tree for the vivid orange and red leafy splendor of autumn colour and the joy of pouring maple syrup on our pancakes. 

 

Brian mounted this large sugar maple burl on the lathe, shaping the bottom with the gouge to form graceful, fluted wings.

 



 

Attaching a chuck to the bottom, Brian removed the faceplate and turned the inside of the bowl.  It revealed distinctive bark inclusions, colour variations and figuring.  After the process of sanding, oiling and polishing, the bowl is finished. This prized bowl, with its rough, raw edge and unique, swirling grain patterns has a fine smooth finish.

 

Sugar Maple Burl Bowl

 

Best Wishes for a Wonderful 2013

 

Winter has arrived in Muskoka and we have lots of snow for the holiday season. 

 

Wishing you and yours all the best in 2013.