Richard Gill Annual Fall Show – A New Found Look at the Rock
In the early 1980’s Canadian Geographic Magazine offered funding for research in geography. The offering grabbed the attention of a 30 something Burnstown sculptor Richard Gill. A former architect he was, a geographer he was not, however this didn’t prevent him from submitting his application as an artist who longed to study and sculpt ceramic reliefs depicting the raw beauty of Newfoundland.
To Richard’s surprise he was granted the funds that enabled him to make his first of many visits to Newfoundland. A show was born, and a love affair with the land and people was ignited.
When Canadian Geographic covered the show, a Newfoundland doctor who was also the CEO of Grenfell Health Services read about Richard and was so taken by the work he flew out to Burnstown to meet him and the two of them became close friends. The doctor became a great patron who was to continuously commission Richard’s works for donor recognition, retirement plaques and other special occasions over the years. Thanks to the patronage of the doctor, subsequent trips to the rock followed and Richard’s fondness for the Newfoundland landscape and people deepened. In fact the geographic splendor of the land enticed him so much that it almost stole him away from his beloved Burnstown.
In the early spring of 2008 the doctor died after a lengthy battle with leukemia. He willed that Richard sculpt plaques for all those who helped him during his illness. His widow arranged a reception in Newfoundland for Richard and his wife Cheryl to meet the recipients of the plaques. Hence, another journey to Newfoundland was taken and has rekindled the artist’s fascination with the rugged beauty and magnificant geography. This recent visit and circumstances have indeed compelled him to capture Newfoundland’s rich texture and culture once again in clay.
Richard Gill’s 2009 Fall Show is inspired primarliy by Newfoundland, presented by Bittersweet Gallery at Fog Run Studio in Burnstown, opens October 3 and continues to October 12 daily from 11 to 5 and by appointment. Other elements of show are inspired by travels to Mexico and he has also sculpted pieces depicting Ottawa, the Valley and others parts of Canada. For information call 613.432.5254
