Julie Glaspy - Canada

Community Partner - Town of Riverview

Groups :
- 2016 Artists

Julie began carving ten years ago with Native Elders on the coast of B.C. and has been creating art in many different mediums since 2011. She was an intern in Sculpture Saint John 2014 then went on to do a large commission for the International Children’s Memorial Place in PEI. In 2015 she was the site manager for Sculpture Nova Scotia’s first symposium and worked with Jim Boyd on a commission for the Botanic Gardens in Fredericton. She continues to work in her studio every day she can to get gain experience. We are thrilled to have Julie return to us as an artist. In her statement she wrote:

“Convincing a stone to become something else is no small task – it’s heavy, it’s dusty, it’s dirty, and it’s my labour of love. Often, art is about finding beauty in places where it is not always commonly seen; to me art is about making something out of nothing, which is one of my main attractions to stone.”

“Third Wave”

Town of Riverview

2016 Symposium

THIRD WAVE

My approach with the Third Wave and the art itself are interactive.

There are five stones of this piece, representing the five bridges of Gunningsville; three smaller red stones and two larger stones, all granite.

Three red stones set in front of the larger stones are carved into abstract, fun, wavy forms. The interns and I polished them until soft and shiny. The stones encourage touch and playful interactions, luring passersby to interact with art – with sculpture. The trail draws the audience down a wavy river path where the two large stones stand – representing the tidal bore coming into the river and flowing down the front of the stone.

Knowing the passing sun would work with shadows I pulled the tidal bore out of the stone, making it curly and alive. It connects with the abstract shape of the river figure, allowing many mystical interpretations. I hope this work will inspire new independent thoughts in children and passersby.

When I received the design input from your citizens, I recognized a great sense of community from both young and old. I wanted to create opportunities for personal interaction with sculpture.

Sculpture is one of few art forms, which allows for the intimacy of touch and artistic observation. This concept design encourages both.

The three smaller red stones grow out of the ground as an extension of the Petitcodiac River. Their soft polish invites touch and play. Use them as benches, take time in the space, and allow your imagination to take shape. Take in both the art and the beautiful surroundings of your wonderful town.

Thank you for choosing local Canadian art. And thank you for helping dreams come alive!

– Julie Glaspy