I received some ceramic molds that became the inspiration for new work in the “Preserve” series. I cast the molds using wax to create objects that mimic china used only for holidays and special occasions. These ephemeral objects directly relate to issues of fragility and domesticity.
As of September 1, I am sharing a studio at the Cotton Factory in Hamilton; a beautiful, refurbished factory with fantastic facilities, friendly faces and an amazing ambiance. I feel very fortunate to have found such a wonderful place to work with opportunities for collaboration, and space to grow. Now its time to work!
My work is multidisciplinary, incorporating sociopolitical ideas that respond to environmental issues, memories attached to objects, women’s issues, and the fragility of family dynamics. My practice has evolved around the creation of work from basic/minimalistic materials within a formal structure that stimulates viewer reaction. I manipulate a variety of fibres through weaving, knitting, crocheting, felting, making paper, building with wood, sawdust, and other industrial materials to create series’ of forms that are relevant to my hypothesis. Working with my hands inspires my creative process. I love the intimacy and pleasure in the repetitive movements required to make objects. I enjoy…
Fruits and Vegetables Bones
With my studio empty due to an exhibition and wanting to stay busy, I decided to try my hand at restyling some outdated clothing.This resulted in visiting every thrift shop in town for fancy fabrics; then sewing non-stop with the results you see below. I hung these garments in my studio as I completed them, eventually producing a boutique-like atmosphere which became the focus of the pedestrian traffic and puzzlement since I had no sizes or particular idea of selling any garment. It was great fun!
An installation for the professional theatre, Theatre NorthWest, Prince George, British Columbia
Please join artist Susan Barton-Tait and curator Maeve Hanna for the opening of a new show – The Ladies: Isabella – at Storefront Studio, 1144 4th Ave on Thursday august 25 starting at 4.30pm. Light refreshments will be served. Help support local artists – come, take a look and say hello! The Ladies illuminates Barton-Taits ancestry, FRANK PEEBLES / PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN AUGUST 23, 2016 07:44 “The legacy of Isabella McKenzie is built of pulp and human spirit. The story is almost wordless. Barton-Tait is a professional artist and she introduces her 19th century ancestor to the world in the frame of…
My studio is next door to the needle exchange. Tagging is a regular occurrence in this neighbourhood. With the landlord’s agreement, I tagged the back wall of my studio.
Pots and pans, utensils, glasses, plates, bowls, and cutlery were all cast from paper pulp to inhabit the kitchen installation in my storefront studio. Canadian Art featured an article by Maeve Hanna. Here is an excerpt http://canadianart.ca/features/pulp-frictions-5-artists-takes-forestry-industry/ Pulp Frictions: 5 Artists’ Takes on the Forestry Industry APRIL 18, 2016 BY MAEVE HANNA All highways into Prince George, the “capital of the north” of British Columbia, lead travellers past some form of the forestry industry. From the east, the Canfor pulp mill sits at the confluence of the Nechako and Fraser Rivers, emitting chemical plumes. From the south sprawls a wasteland of…
A table, four chairs, dishes, cutlery cast in paper pulp represent the memory of the kitchen in “The Smallest House Known to Man”. This kitchen installation is an evolving entity in my storefront window which engages the passing foot traffic and encourages dialogue.
