SCULPTURE SAINT JOHN 2012

NEW BRUNSWICK INTERNATIONAL SCULPTURE SYMPOSIUM PRESENTS
SCULPTURE SAINT JOHN 2012
WELCOME FROM THE CHAIR DIANA ALEXANDER
Sculpture Saint John, the first New Brunswick International Sculpture Symposium, was held in 2012 and by all accounts was a huge success.
Over 35,000 visitors watched as six international artists carved 120 tons of New Brunswick granite. People became enthralled by the process of creating public art.
Everyone enjoyed interacting with the artists and interns, helping to make this the largest arts event in New Brunswick in 2012.
The strength of community support was reflected in the generosity of the sponsors and the welcome felt by the six artists. Our volunteers gave tremendously of their
time to organize the event and make everyone feel welcome on the site.
We had a vision of what this symposium could be. At times it was difficult to explain, as with anything that is a first. It was wonderful to see the communities and
tourists from as far away as Australia embrace that vision.
It is a little overwhelming to know we had a small part in the creation of six pieces of public art that people will enjoy and interact with for generations to come.
My greatest pleasure is watching as children play and climb on these sculptures.
This symposium was a beginning but not an end. Look for us in 2014 as we continue to build on what we have begun, the creation of an International Sculpture Trail
between New Brunswick and Maine. When we encourage public art, we also encourage creativity and thoughtfulness, and we build a richer future for all of our citizens.
On behalf of the Sculpture Saint John Board and our many other volunteers, we hope you enjoy this catalogue as much as we enjoyed bringing Sculpture Saint John
2012 to you.
THE QUARRIES HAMPSTEAD AND ST. GEORGE
Hampstead Quarry
The Hampstead quarry (Spoon Island North Quarry) first produced dimension granite in 1840. The stone is a fine-grained grey or pink granite. Over the years,
this granite has been used in the construction of bridges, buildings, jails, and monuments in New Brunswick and elsewhere.
The quarry was last worked in the 1990s. It is currently owned and operated by Debly Enterprises Ltd. of Saint John.
St. George Quarry
Over 50 quarries were operated around St. George dating back to 1872. The St. George quarries employed up to 150 workers, but competition from European
sources, coupled with US tariffs on fabricated stone products, caused great financial strain on the industry. The depression also took its toll, and operations in
St. George ceased in the 1940s.
The stone used in Sculpture Saint John originates from the old grout piles which were formed over a hundred years ago.
THE HISTORY OF THE EVENT
The history of Sculpture Saint John 2012 follows the path set by the first sculpture symposium of the modern era, which was held in Austria in 1959.
Since then, sculptors have been gathering at various places around the world to practise their art and to learn from each other and from the symposium setting.
In addition to learning new techniques, sculptors gain valuable exposure to different concepts and other cultures.
The visiting public is able to share this experience and to gain a sense of what it takes to create a sculpture. The finished work then becomes a new and permanent
part of the community’s landscape.
Sculpture Saint John 2012 resulted in six new pieces of public art - for UNB Saint John and the five communities of Saint John, Rothesay, Quispamsis,
Grand Bay-Westfield, and St. George.
THE ARTISTS
Radoslav Sultov Bulgaria. Agnessa Petrova Bulgaria. Jhon Gogaberishvili Georgia. Jo Kley Germany. James Boyd Canada. Hiroyuki Asano Japan.
From 150 applicants around the globe, six accomplished sculptors were selected to shape mammoth chunks of stunning New Brunswick granite into works of art.
The International Sculpture Symposium presented these artists with the opportunity to display their finished works in prominent locations in our region.
These magnificent sculptures were created in August and September 2012 on the former Coast Guard site on the Saint John Waterfront. Cruise ship passengers,
tourists, students and the general public watched the sculptors in the midst of their creative process.
RIVERGATE – GRAND BAY-WESTFIELD.
Radoslav Sultov. In my work, I am interested in exploring the aesthetics of geometric transformations and the pattern design of different structures. My recent
works are based on whirl figures which I construct by nesting a sequence of polygons, each slightly smaller and rotated relative to the previous one. The movement
of the pattern starts its transformation from one side, weaves deep into the core of the stone, and continues through to the surface on the other side.
For the Grand Bay-Westfield work at Sculpture Saint John, I have tried to create a design that corresponds to the ambience of this place, where water meets land.
The sculpture builds on the polygon whirls idea by exploring the contrast, which the straight geometric flow carves into the raw monolithic mass of the granite
boulder. The interplay between the rough rock and the geometric pattern is like the water-land boundary – far from static and always shifting due to natural and
human forces. At the same time, the whirl structure frames a focal point to the beautiful river panorama.
CASCADE – QUISPAMSIS.
Agnessa Petrova. An abstract work like this piece challenges one’s imagination, and many different associations can be made. A waterfall or cascade, so typical
of Saint John’s rich and beautiful surroundings; a mountain peak, with paths made by people as a metaphor about human tracks over nature; or just pieces of drapery
falling freely. One is free to choose one of these associations, or create a new one.
When I work with granite, I think about the initial state of this material - hot, moving, fiery lava. I am excited about this enormous frozen energy, turned into such hard
and ancient stone. To express this internal - and eternal - pulsating energy, I often use wave shapes. Waves are everywhere - sound and light waves, the waves
of our feelings and emotions, sea waves and wavy mountain shapes. For me, these shapes are the most immediate and exciting way to express the powerful and
harmonious energy of life.
FIRST DAY – UNB SAINT JOHN.
Jhon Gogaberishvili. “First Day” is associated with the initial roots of creation, the birth of life - as if time has started only from that moment. In the deconstructed
ellipsis, we can imagine that it is an object on which something is happening. The forms that grow from natural stone are themselves creating original forms of
expression. From the centre of the work, as if from exploding stones, organic forms are born - a sign of life. Within this exploding sculptural environment an abstract
modern connotation is created, through which a spectator can discover his or her own message and easily communicate with the sculpture. Despite the fact that the
sculpture is such an abstract one, it is part of everyday culture. It also resembles an archetypical boat, which brings messages about the First Day.
THE ARK – ROTHESAY.
Jo Kley. A tower sails on a boat that rides a wave. The Latin term for ark (arca) means a vessel, a shrine: but also a palace. Rothesay is located along the
Kennebecasis River, which flows into the Saint John River south of the town. For many decades in the past, the area was a shipbuilding centre. Being located
along the banks of the Kennebecasis River, Rothesay is a good, indeed idyllic, place to live; its inhabitants are very lucky people. The Ark might remind us that our
civilization is based upon, among other things, water, rocks and community.
Sculpture Saint John was one of the best sculpture symposia in which I have participated. From the first moment, I felt warmly embraced and adopted not only by the
community I made the sculpture for, but also by the other communities. The hearty and friendly atmosphere amongst the organizing board, the volunteers and the
artists was an unforgettable element. I am sorry that Sculpture Saint John 2012 had to come to an end. I hope to see you all again.
WATER STONE – ST. GEORGE.
James Boyd. I live an hour’s drive from the town of St. George, so I was able to make a number of visits to the town and local quarry before the symposium started
in August. The power and force of the Magaguadavic River as it flows through the town of St. George has always impressed me. The forms and overall composition of
the sculpture are inspired by and pay homage to our deep connections to our local waterways.
I feel very fortunate to have been able to use a piece of St. George granite, quarried some eighty or more years ago, as the central element of my sculpture.
I am also incredibly grateful and honoured to have been selected to participate in Saint John’s first international sculpture symposium.
SUNSHINE AND MOONLIGHT OVER SAINT JOHN – SAINT JOHN.
Hiroyuki Asano. I was very much delighted to be given the opportunity to participate in the sculpture event in Saint John on Canada’s East Coast.
It’s an area of great natural beauty, with grand land and seascapes that will certainly suit the concept behind my sculpture, Sunshine and Moonlight Over
Saint John. The sculpture expresses the impact that time and space have on the landscape. As the earth moves around the sun, the holes in my piece will
reflect the light and cast the images of the sun and the moon moving on the ground, showing that time is something that is never still.
I hope that my sculpture will be enjoyed by the people of Saint John for years to come. I am proud of my work and was impressed by the way everyone who I met
supported me and my fellow artists over the length of the event.
Thank you very much Sculpture Saint John and the great people of New Brunswick.
THE INTERNS
Sculpture Saint John was a key professional development opportunity for the six interns who assisted the artists. This unique
experience taught the interns about the art of stone carving, deepened their knowledge about the art form, and challenged them to
interact with the public while pursuing their growth as artists.
Meghan Barton - Meghan holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a focus on Sculpture, Photography and Print Making from Mount Allison University in Sackville
and a Bachelor of Education with a focus on Visual Art and History Instruction from UNB Fredericton.
Christian Demmings - Christian graduated from the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design in Fredericton and holds a diploma of Fine Craft (Jewelry/Metal
Arts). He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Mount Allison University.
Alice Fudge - Alice holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Painting and Sculpture from Mount Allison University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Environmental
Design Studies from Dalhousie University School of Architecture in Halifax.
Alison Gayton - Alison has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from UNB Saint John and an Applied Arts diploma in Studio Ceramics from the
New Brunswick College of Craft and Design. She is the sole proprietor of “I Love Saint John Pottery.”
Allison Green - Allison completed a Foundation Visual Arts certificate from the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design and will graduate in 2013 from the Fashion:
Textile Design program.
Christiana Myers - Christiana graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Mount Allison University.
EDUCATION
Open to the public for the six-week period the artists were on site, Sculpture Saint John provided opportunities for visitors, families,
and students to experience the world of public art.
Young and old alike, visitors watched international artists create monumental sculptures from granite, witnessing firsthand how a work of art evolves. But more
than just watching, members of the public had the opportunity to interact with the sculptors during the creative process, learning of the inspiration, challenges
and skills required to create art. School children came in buses, tourists came by cruise ship, and locals returned frequently to the site to witness the progress being
made in this creation of public art.
Old Town
Orono
Maine
Bangor
Quispamsis
Eastport
Machias
Rothesay
Roque Bluffs
Ellsworth
Blue Hill
Deer Isle
Franklin
Hancock
Sullivan
Lamoine
Sorrento
SteubenMilbridge
Gouldsboro
Winter Harbor
Bar Harbor Schoodic Point
Southwest Harbor
Addison
Grand Bay - Westfield
Rockwood Park
City of UNB Saint John
Saint John
St. George
New Brunswick
The International Sculpture Trail
Brenan’s Funeral Home & Crematorium
Cementation Canada
Coles Boiler Service and Repair/
C & E Refractories
Gorman Nason Lawyers
Grant Thornton LLP
Chuck and Anne Hickey
Kiwanis Club of Western Kings
Murdock & Boyd Architects
Pat Pelley
Teed Saunders Doyle & Co.
Kenneth Waiwood
SCULPTURE SAINT JOHN SPONSORS
MICHELANGELO $15,000 - $40,000
Province of New Brunswick
New Brunswick Community College
- via Anonymous Donor
International Union of Operating Engineers
- Local 946
Acadia Broadcasting
Brunswick Engineering & Consulting
Debly Enterprises
OSCO Construction Group
Saint John Waterfront Development
Source Atlantic
RODIN $10,000 - $14,999
City of Saint John
The Hardman Group
Saint John Mechanical Contractors
- Employers Association
Sir James Dunn Centennial Trust
Town of Grand Bay-Westfield
Town of Quispamsis
Town of Rothesay
Town of St. George
University of New Brunswick - Saint John
DONATELLO $5,000 - $9,999
Greater Saint John Community Foundation
Kent Building Supplies
Moosehead Breweries
Saint John Hyundai
Xerox
MOORE $1,000 - $4,999
37th Service Battalion
Acadian Seaplants
Canadian Coast Guard
Lino Celeste
CIBC Wood Gundy
Cooke Aquaculture
Craig Allen
Georgie Day
Senator Joseph A. Day
Fundy Contractors
Fundy Engineering
Fundy Fencing
Hickey Bros. Disaster Kleenup
International Association of Firefighters
- Local 771
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
- Local 502
Java Moose
J. Scott McCain
Milkish Oaks Inc.
Plumbers & Pipefitters - Local 213
Ready Rentals
Saint John & District Labour Council
Saint John Energy
Saint John International Artists Committee
Stantec
Stewart McKelvey
Telegraph Journal
Villa Madonna Retreat House
Michael and Margaret Wennberg
Anne and Dr. Brian Wheelock
The Wright Agency
APPRENTICE $500 - $999
Alternatives
The Barn in Bloomfield
Bell Aliant
Richard and Helen Boyd
FRIEND $100 - $499
Alliance Assurance
Brunswick Square
Cathy Baldwin-Wilson
Mary Blatherwick
Lydia Boyd
Tzigane Caddell
Collectables
Culligan of Rothesay
Doug Crowley
D & H Limited Partnership
Lana Davis
Kathleen Foster
Grannan’s Seafood Restaurant
Signe Gurholt
Hardings Point Campground Inc.
Dorothy Higgins
Hilton Saint John
Stephen Horgan
Jeremiah’s
Lake Utopia Paper
Don and Cheryl Livingston
Manchester Shoe Salon
Frances Morrisey
Mother Nature’s Restaurant
Premium Pools & Spas
Cheryl Robertson
Saint John Ale House
Saint John Y’s Men Club
Anne Scott
Slocum & Ferris
Howard Spalding
Trafton Agencies
TS Simms & Co.
Taco Pica
Walsh Luggage
Paul Zed
SUPPORTER
Dianna Barton
Kathy Butler
Cape Breton Oatcake Society
Bob and Joan Chenier
Anne Marie Creamer
Delectables
Bev England
Enterprise Saint John
Patricia Farren
Catherine Hachey
Ian Hamilton
Happinez Wine Bar
Patricia Hayes
Jean and Leonard Higgins
Homeport B&B
Imperial Theatre
Patricia Kaine
Meditrust
Brian Mitchell
New Brunswick Museum
Patti Nicholson
Piece O’Cake
Mary Jane Regan
Mike and Connie Schulze
Joan Small
Olivier Soapery
Ron and Sue Stewart
Patricia Tayes
Claire Titus
Uptown Saint John
Heather Warwick
Our special thanks to the City of Saint John and
the many departments who helped in so many
ways. The symposium would not have been
possible without them.
SPECIAL THANKS TO
NEW BRUNSWICK INTERNATIONAL
SCULPTURE SYMPOSIUM BOARD
David Adams
Diana Alexander
Peter Buckland
Bernard Cormier
Pat Pelley
Joel Reed
Ken Waiwood
Mike Wennberg
ARTIST-SELECTION JURY
Gerald Beaulieu
Suzanne Hill
John Leroux
COMMITTEES
Finance – Marla Deveau
Sponsorship – Georgie Day
Community Liaison – Ken Anthony
Accommodations – Signe Gurholt
Volunteers – Pat Farren
Education – Mary Blatherwick
Site – Warren Long
Marketing Communications – Bruce Wright
Events – Diana Leitch
Artist Consultant – Jim Boyd
STAFF
Anne Hickey
Colleen Hickey
Ashley Graham
Katie Gribbons
INTERN-SELECTION COMMITTEE
Diana Alexander
Jim Boyd
Sara Griffin
Anne Hickey
VOLUNTEERS: TENT & TOURS
Jackie Atcheson
Dianna Barton
Sue Berry
Joshua Bojahra
Maureen Boone
Lydia Boyd
Zoe Boyd
Marion Cameron
Earl Campbell
Annie Chan
Donna Clark
Anita Corbett
Carolyn Danells
Brittany Dixon
Ellen Doyle
Daniel Eastman
Pam Flemming
Muriel Flood
Treva Fudge
Jessica Gallant
Vern Garnett
Eileen Gauthier
Ella Gilks
Suzanne Gogan
Judy Graham
Clark Graves
Gerald Gray
Conor Gribbons
Kevin Halcrow
Carolyn Harris
David Hickey
Nancy Hickey
Meagan Hughes
William Jones
Peyman Kashefi Moghaddan
Leslie Keating
Olive Keith
Rika Kikuchi
Melvin Lawson
Gloria MacGowan
Debbie McCluskey-MacLeod
Joyce McDowell
Ruth McKenzie
Barry Ogden
Debbie Ogden
Linda Oliver
Jeannette Prevost
Don Reid
Norma Reid
Anna Richard
Joyce Robertson
Dawn Robichaud
Audrey Robins
Pierre Roy
Dianne Scott
Elizabeth Scott
Susan Shippee
Patti Slipp
Becky Smith
Pam Sproul
Mary Stilwell
Patti Tayes
Sarah Tippett
Marilyn Upton
Brenda Waiwood
Alex Weaver
Pippa Wennberg
Anne Wheelock
Cathy Zamora
Nadia Zed
VOLUNTEERS: SITE
Brenda Forbes
Dale Forbes
Debbie Garland
Chuck Hickey
Warren Long
Bruce Martin
Ray Noel
Shane and Andra O’Brien
Chuck Reid
Ken Waiwood
TIME & TALENT
Joseph Aicher
Richard and Helen Boyd
Peggy Brittain
Bob and Joan Chenier
Bill and JoAnne Fitzpatrick
Mary and Stephen Fitzpatrick
Mary and Stephen Fleet
Brenda Forbes
Dale Forbes
Debbie Garland
Amanda and Nancy Hickey
Bill Hickey
Kit Hickey
Mike Hickey
Suzanne Hickey
Tim Hickey
John Higgins
Ralph and Karen Holyoke
Ulrika Long
Marion MacEachern
Bruce and Mary Pat Martin
Michelle Merzetti
Penny Milligan
Gordon Mouland
Stephanie Nielson
Pat Pelley
Saint John Fire Fighters – Local 771
Lynn Smith
Liane Thibodeau
Pippa Wennberg
Anne Wheelock
Joanne & Keith White
Nadia Zed
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Diana Alexander
Larry Campbell
Raymond Fitzpatrick
Rod Stears
Colin Timm
We’re proud to have been selected as the artists for Sculpture Saint John 2012.
Radoslav Sultov
Agnessa Petrova
Jhon Gogaberishvili
Jo Kley
James Boyd
Hiroyuki Asano
sculpturesaintjohn.com