It was a dream nearly 20 years in the making for local artist Krista Stovel.
“I had a dream of doing a shrine after I worked with someone who made these amazing little shrines in our workplace. I just thought it was time and I gathered a bunch of artists and pitched this idea to the Visual Arts Centre,” said Stovel.
The result was Alters, Shrines, and Curiosities – an exhibit of 15 local artists’ interpretation on the theme.
“It was an incredible journey to do this,” said Stovel. “I think a lot of the artists walked away from it having created truly meaningful and powerful work that really spoke about who they are. I think there is an element of metaphor in it and the layers that people put into their work that makes you really dig deeper into who they are as artists and people.”
For some artists, such as Joanne Stacey, pieces were built as an ode to something meaningful to them.
Stacey’s interactive piece which consists of an old-style suitcase filled with photographs and country music lyrics, also included a head seat with country music that brought a more indepth meaning.
“Most of the songs are older,” said Stacey, who noted there is only one newer country song, and it is included because of the meaning it has to her.
PHOTO: Railway Shrine, by Andrew Stacey. Photo by Melissa Jameson.
David Walker’s piece is a shrine to technology, and includes a button where you can take a selfie (photoraph of yourself.)
“He hopes people will put their cellphone in the little raku tray in front of them so they take that moment to step back and realize what technology does in our lives,” said Stovel.
For Stovel, her own piece explores the relationship with her father, who was also an artist.
“My piece is interactive so you can turn up and down the door. That was Ken Talbot and Mas Matsushita that did that. I have lots of writing on it so I have a little magnifying glass in case someone like me can’t read,” said Stovel.
As for the exhibition itself, Stovel could not be more pleased with the outcome and contribution of each artist.
“Every artist really came through and Andrew Stacey’s is extraordinary. I can’t say enough about Andrew’s, I think it’s a pivotal piece in the show. Every piece was found from the railroad and it really, it’s a heavy piece. It’s got the bell which Andrew is famous for making these beautiful toned bells. It’s incredible.”
Alters, Shrines, and Curiosities is currently on display at the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre. Also on display is Glacier Adventure Stewardship Program: Photos by RSS Students.
Both exhibitions run until November 27.
