Artist captures his home's history in clay
Burnstown sculptor Richard Gill has created plenty of custom works
during his 37 year career as an artist. Of late he has become fascinated
with the documention of the history of civilization, settlements and dwellings.
As a former architect who dwells in a log house almost 175 years old
(a former tavern or “ stopping place”) he has often wondered if only these walls could talk
as many of us do when wondering about the goings on of intriguing, notorios places.
Over time many stories have been passed down and told to him by former owners and neighbours.
After some research & verification he has decided to make the walls surrounding his
fireplace talk…. so to speak. What better medium than the durablity of sculpted & fired
stoneware clay. At last his very own custom piece will combine text with visual images
depicting the revolt of the Scottish settlers against the last Laird of McNab as well as the
big timber days.
The artist and his wife and partner in art Cheryl Babineau (Bittersweet Gallery owner)
will welcome visitors to their home where the finished piece will be unveiled for viewing
during the New Burnstown Affair of the Arts on May 30 & 31. During the open house
visitors will have an opportunity to make a small donation to benefit the preservation
of the Burnstown United Church and to enter a draw to win a relief sculpture by the artist.
Patrons of Bittersweet Gallery will also have this opportunity.
The gallery will host & feature three demonstrating guest artists during the Affair weekend.
Plein air painter Kathy Haycock will have works in progress depicting her classic Canadian
iconic landscapes in oils. Visitors will also see textile artist Valerie Miller’s cutting edge
designs come to life as she reaps what she sews on site. Lend us your ear & groove to the
sound of exuberant vocals and acoustic guitar performed by Heather Drummond of Lone
Wolf Music (formerly of Metagenesis) during the festive weekend.
