Renowned Canadian sculptor Joe Fafard showcases passion for rural life

Feb 16, 2018 | 11:00 AM

A passion for life on the farm in all its detail has guided renowned Canadian sculptor Joe Fafard’s work for much of his life. 

The celebrated artist from rural Saskatchewan was fêted at a special reception for his show “Retailles” at The Chapel Gallery, Thursday night.

The Francophone talent said “everything” inspires him – people, events, landscapes and animals.

His show at the gallery features a variety of pieces, including a set of seven animated horse sculptures captured in motion.

“I’ve always been very observant,” Fafard said. “I’ve always looked at things, from my very youngest memoriesfascinated by how things look, fascinated with the sensation you have with your eyes open – the colours, the light. I’m also fascinated with how things work, how an animal is constructed so that it can run, and move, and lie down and sleep.” 

“What drives creativity is curiosity,” he added. “If you are not curious, you’ll never be creative.” 

Fafard grew up on his family’s farm in Ste. Marthe, Sask., and currently lives in Boggy Creek, Sask., near Regina.

Many of the pieces in the show are called retailles which means cut-outs. He uses the cut-outs to make his sculptures in the exhibition.He also uses parts of the retailles to make prints as well.

Fafard uses a variety of materials in his work, including paper mache, and bronze to name a few. 

Leah Garvin, curator-manager of galleries for the City of North Battleford, said there are 59 sculptural pieces and another 25 two-dimensional works, silk screen and drawings in the show.

“Joe is a prolific artist and has worked in many different mediums,” she said. “This is just sort of a sampling of the work he has done over time, and some of his earlier works.”  

Fafard has had many of his sculptures adorning public spaces in a number of cities, including a bronze sculpture of a group of seven life-sized cows, called “The Pasture,” in Toronto’s financial district.  

“Joe is one of Canada’s foremost sculptors,” said Garvin. ” He is known internationally. His work is in Toronto, outside of the stock exchange, To have an artist of this stature who has this large a body of work to our community is certainly very impressive. It’s top notch, world class.”

Fafard’s show “Retailles” runs until March 25.

 

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

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