Noelle Dupret Smith < Back Originally Published On: August 21, 2018 Originally Published By: Haliburton Sculpture Forest The Importance of Layers Written By: Noelle Dupret Smith To paraphrase Shrek, “All good things have layers”. For these two sculptures both the physical layers and the layers of techniques play a key role in their identifies. As you walk by the V&S Department Store on the main street of Haliburton you will notice a large square sculpture, created by Darrell Markewitz. The many layers of this piece are what makes it so marvellous. Hence its name “Layers”, Markewitz carefully forged together strips of steel and various alloys; some polished, some rusting, some manipulated with different textures. It is hard to make a square look dynamic, but the range of techniques, materials and layers used by Markewitz showcases his talent and provides an additional sense of depth to the piece. Layering different techniques is what makes “Musical Inspiration” in the Haliburton Sculpture Forest, by Zimbabwian sculptor Simon Chidharara, so interesting. Believe it or not, Chidharara used only one piece of springstone for the entire piece. At the back of the piece the surface of the stone is rough and rust coloured. It has been left untouched and exposed to the air. Part of the woman’s headdress on the front the sculpture is a gunmetal grey, this is the result of Chidharara scoring the stone. Finally, the part that draws the most attention is the band of black on the front. Chidharara polished this section, heated it, and infused clear polish into the pores of the stone. The effect is a glistening jet black. On this background he scored narrow channels and filled them with crushed dolomite; creating sinuous white lines. The artist did a fabulous job of using different techniques on one material to create a layered effect. Please wander down main street of Haliburton and see the Downtown Sculpture exhibition of 6 sculptures and visit Haliburton Sculpture Forest. There are free tours of the Sculpture Forest, Tuesdays 10:00–11:30am and Wednesdays 12:10–12:50pm. www.haliburtonsculptureforest.ca < Previous Article Next Article >

Jared Tait is a member of the Sachigo Lake First Nation an Oji-Cree First Nation in Treaty 9, territory in the far north of Ontario near the Manitoba border. Jared was raised in Thunder Bay. He currently resides with his family in the countryside near Bancroft. In 2018, Jared began painting under the mentorship of his father, Tim Tait, a self-taught artist. Jared recalls his childhood being surrounded by his father’s paintings and being told stories within them. Since his exposure to art at a young age, Jared has created a strong appreciation and connection to art. Through his understanding of the Woodland style and the methods of telling stories through his work, Jared captures the deep relations to the land and its creatures. He builds on these motivations to preserve the sacred stories, symbolism and teachings. Jared creates imagery inspired by his personal and spiritual experiences and hopes to pass his teachings on to future generations. < All Artists Jared Tait ABOUT SCULPTOR Artist Bio Jared Tait is a member of the Sachigo Lake First Nation an Oji-Cree First Nation in Treaty 9, territory in the far north of Ontario near the Manitoba border. Jared was raised in Thunder Bay. He currently resides with his family in the countryside near Bancroft. In 2018, Jared began painting under the mentorship of his father, Tim Tait, a self-taught artist. Jared recalls his childhood being surrounded by his father’s paintings and being told stories within them. Since his exposure to art at a young age, Jared has created a strong appreciation and connection to art. Through his understanding of the Woodland style and the methods of telling stories through his work, Jared captures the deep relations to the land and its creatures. He builds on these motivations to preserve the sacred stories, symbolism and teachings. Jared creates imagery inspired by his personal and spiritual experiences and hopes to pass his teachings on to future generations. Installed Sculptures Bawaajigan - To Dream Previous Sculpture Next Sculpture

Youkie Stagg < Back Originally Published On: January 1, 2016 Originally Published By: Haliburton Echo A Conspiracy of Ravens Written By: Youkie Stagg The raven is central to the oral tradition of the First Nations in British Columbia as both a creator and trickster. In one Haida story, Raven transforms into a human infant and is raised by a man who withholds all the light of the universe in a box. When Raven grew to be a child, he pleaded for the man to show him the box. When the man finally gave in, Raven transformed into his normal form and soared into the sky with the light, giving us the sun. Cultures around the world have seen the raven as a messenger for the gods. The Viking god, Odin, had two ravens which flew around the world every day and reported every night about what they saw. A group of ravens is called a ‘conspiracy’ or an ‘unkindness’. With the powers of trickery and creation, we wonder what a group of ravens might be capable of. The Sculpture Forest, in Glebe Park, Haliburton, offers free guided tours each Tuesday from 10-11:30 am and a shorter “Curator Selection” tour on Wednesday from 12:10 – 12:50. Meet at the kiosk in the Fleming College parking lot. www.haliburtonsculptureforest.ca < Previous Article Next Article >

Doug Stephens has been carving stone since taking a course in Haliburton in 1998. Years before he had worked in the set department for film and television and then went on to study sculpture in Halifax at the Nova Scotia School of Fine Art, but had not settled on a medium that had any real meaning for him. That changed when he studied in Haliburton with George Pratt, who then invited him to spend some months in Vancouver apprenticing at his studio. Later that year, Doug opened his own studio in Muskoka and has had his work shown in galleries in Bala, Gravenhurst, Rosseau and Haliburton. Every summer since then he has taught at the Haliburton School of The Arts. In May of 2001 he moved his studio to Belleville and began working as a full-time sculptor for the Campbell Monument Company, carving sculptures for the local and North American market. < All Artists Doug Stephens ABOUT SCULPTOR Artist Bio Doug Stephens has been carving stone since taking a course in Haliburton in 1998. Years before he had worked in the set department for film and television and then went on to study sculpture in Halifax at the Nova Scotia School of Fine Art, but had not settled on a medium that had any real meaning for him. That changed when he studied in Haliburton with George Pratt, who then invited him to spend some months in Vancouver apprenticing at his studio. Later that year, Doug opened his own studio in Muskoka and has had his work shown in galleries in Bala, Gravenhurst, Rosseau and Haliburton. Every summer since then he has taught at the Haliburton School of The Arts. In May of 2001 he moved his studio to Belleville and began working as a full-time sculptor for the Campbell Monument Company, carving sculptures for the local and North American market. Link Unavailable Installed Sculptures Sleep of the Huntress Previous Sculpture Next Sculpture

Ian LaBlance is from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1990 and joined the US Navy. In the Navy, he served 22 years as an Electronics Technician (ET) and retirement from the Naval Reserve in 2015. Some of the units he served in include USS Ponce LPD-15, MIUWU 201 (Toledo, OH), 203 (Bronx, NY in Crete, Greece) and 214 (Buffalo, NY), Navy Mobilization Processing Site, Gulfport, MS. And Expeditionary Maintenance Det. G, Great Lakes, IL. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education with from Western Michigan University in 2001 and received a Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture in 2004. He also received an Associate in Applied Science in Digital Media form the College of Lake County in 2013. Ian has always been a very creative person and has worked in many educational and creative positions. He has worked as a Stained Glass Workshop assistant for Willet Hauser Architectural Glass in Philadelphia, PA. and as a Studio Technician/Part Time Instructor at Fleming College’s Haliburton School of the Arts + Design, in Haliburton Ontario. In 2008, he moved to Chicago and worked as a Metal Fabricator for SVI Themed Construction Solutions, Inc. in Morton Grove, IL working on projects for the Shred Aquarium, the Phoenix Zoo’s “Little People” Discovery Farm and American Girl Store Chicago. From 2013 to 2015, he worked as a Craftsman/CNC Operator in Potbelly Restaurants Warehouse designing and building décor to Potbelly’s new and renovated restaurants. In 2015 he started working as a Building Manager Assistant on Great Lakes Naval Base, IL. and in October of 2018, Ian excepted the Exhibit Specialist position for the National Museum of the American Sailor also on Great Lakes Naval Base. As Exhibit Specialist, he will be designing and fabricating the museum’s new exhibits, designing advertising and promotional materials for the museum and assisting in the museum’s building restoration. < All Artists Ian LaBlance ABOUT SCULPTOR Artist Bio Ian LaBlance is from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1990 and joined the US Navy. In the Navy, he served 22 years as an Electronics Technician (ET) and retirement from the Naval Reserve in 2015. Some of the units he served in include USS Ponce LPD-15, MIUWU 201 (Toledo, OH), 203 (Bronx, NY in Crete, Greece) and 214 (Buffalo, NY), Navy Mobilization Processing Site, Gulfport, MS. And Expeditionary Maintenance Det. G, Great Lakes, IL. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education with from Western Michigan University in 2001 and received a Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture in 2004. He also received an Associate in Applied Science in Digital Media form the College of Lake County in 2013. Ian has always been a very creative person and has worked in many educational and creative positions. He has worked as a Stained Glass Workshop assistant for Willet Hauser Architectural Glass in Philadelphia, PA. and as a Studio Technician/Part Time Instructor at Fleming College’s Haliburton School of the Arts + Design, in Haliburton Ontario. In 2008, he moved to Chicago and worked as a Metal Fabricator for SVI Themed Construction Solutions, Inc. in Morton Grove, IL working on projects for the Shred Aquarium, the Phoenix Zoo’s “Little People” Discovery Farm and American Girl Store Chicago. From 2013 to 2015, he worked as a Craftsman/CNC Operator in Potbelly Restaurants Warehouse designing and building décor to Potbelly’s new and renovated restaurants. In 2015 he started working as a Building Manager Assistant on Great Lakes Naval Base, IL. and in October of 2018, Ian excepted the Exhibit Specialist position for the National Museum of the American Sailor also on Great Lakes Naval Base. As Exhibit Specialist, he will be designing and fabricating the museum’s new exhibits, designing advertising and promotional materials for the museum and assisting in the museum’s building restoration. Link Unavailable Installed Sculptures Shadow Caster Previous Sculpture Next Sculpture

Leo’s foray into metal art began some thirty years ago. Though the urge to create with fire and metal remained strong throughout the years, Leo’s talents were relegated to weekends and holidays at his Haliburton cottage until he retired. In 1997, he and is wife Hilary fulfilled a longtime dream by establishing Iron Jive Studio in Moore Falls, Haliburton. Leo is a participant of The Haliburton County Studio Tour, where art lovers watch him demonstrate forging techniques and visit his home gallery. Many of Leo’s ideas are conceived and captured on film during outings of rural Ontario, especially Haliburton. He is continually developing and exploring new ideas, which are reflected, in his artwork. Leo’s paternal grandfather was a blacksmith in Estonia (in fact, the name “Sepa” is derived from the Estonian “Raud Sepp” which translates as iron smith). Like his grandfather, Leo uses traditional blacksmith techniques. But he also employs the use of an oxyacetylene torch, a Mig welder, a plasma cutter and various other modern tools. He works in both recycled and new materials where he sometimes uses natural patinas creating a wide variety of pieces. Though the elder Sepa was a traditional blacksmith, forging tools and farm implements, Leo figures a little of his grandfather’s craft rubbed off on him. Leo was born in 1947 in Sweden after his Estonian parents fled to the nearby country to escape Soviet repression after the USSR invaded the Baltic. He came to Canada when he was three. < All Artists Leo Sepa ABOUT SCULPTOR Artist Bio Leo’s foray into metal art began some thirty years ago. Though the urge to create with fire and metal remained strong throughout the years, Leo’s talents were relegated to weekends and holidays at his Haliburton cottage until he retired. In 1997, he and is wife Hilary fulfilled a longtime dream by establishing Iron Jive Studio in Moore Falls, Haliburton. Leo is a participant of The Haliburton County Studio Tour, where art lovers watch him demonstrate forging techniques and visit his home gallery. Many of Leo’s ideas are conceived and captured on film during outings of rural Ontario, especially Haliburton. He is continually developing and exploring new ideas, which are reflected, in his artwork. Leo’s paternal grandfather was a blacksmith in Estonia (in fact, the name “Sepa” is derived from the Estonian “Raud Sepp” which translates as iron smith). Like his grandfather, Leo uses traditional blacksmith techniques. But he also employs the use of an oxyacetylene torch, a Mig welder, a plasma cutter and various other modern tools. He works in both recycled and new materials where he sometimes uses natural patinas creating a wide variety of pieces. Though the elder Sepa was a traditional blacksmith, forging tools and farm implements, Leo figures a little of his grandfather’s craft rubbed off on him. Leo was born in 1947 in Sweden after his Estonian parents fled to the nearby country to escape Soviet repression after the USSR invaded the Baltic. He came to Canada when he was three. Work for Sale Installed Sculptures Moose Scraps Flying Debris Previous Sculpture Next Sculpture

Brett Davis was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1957. He graduated with honors from Toronto’s Central Technical School Special Fine Art Program in 1981 where he majored in sculpture, and won The K.A.Griffith Award and The Peter Haworth Award for Meritorious Achievement, and is a member of The Sculptors Society of Canada. He works in all facets of ferrous and non-ferrous metals from welding, fabrication, chasing and fountain design. Brett has also studied ancient and historical patinas for more than 25 years, while practicing in the art of chemical patination, which has gained him a notable reputation as a Patina Specialist in Metal Conservation. With over 25 years of experience, he specializes in the design, manufacturing, installation and maintenance of custom and commissioned bronze works designed specifically for interior and exterior environments. He has worked with many prominent landscaping and architectural firms integrating bronze sculptures and fountains into their unique designs and has won many public art competitions in Ontario, Canada. Brett’s travels abroad have also earned him an international reputation as a bronze artist, participating in many invitational international exhibitions and symposiums, and has numerous private and public works in Asia, United Kingdom, USA and Canada. < All Artists Brett Davis ABOUT SCULPTOR Artist Bio Brett Davis was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1957. He graduated with honors from Toronto’s Central Technical School Special Fine Art Program in 1981 where he majored in sculpture, and won The K.A.Griffith Award and The Peter Haworth Award for Meritorious Achievement, and is a member of The Sculptors Society of Canada. He works in all facets of ferrous and non-ferrous metals from welding, fabrication, chasing and fountain design. Brett has also studied ancient and historical patinas for more than 25 years, while practicing in the art of chemical patination, which has gained him a notable reputation as a Patina Specialist in Metal Conservation. With over 25 years of experience, he specializes in the design, manufacturing, installation and maintenance of custom and commissioned bronze works designed specifically for interior and exterior environments. He has worked with many prominent landscaping and architectural firms integrating bronze sculptures and fountains into their unique designs and has won many public art competitions in Ontario, Canada. Brett’s travels abroad have also earned him an international reputation as a bronze artist, participating in many invitational international exhibitions and symposiums, and has numerous private and public works in Asia, United Kingdom, USA and Canada. Artist Website Installed Sculptures Guardians of the Forest Previous Sculpture Next Sculpture

George Pratt is a professional stone sculptor who was initially introduced to the stone-carving arts by E.B. Cox in 1970. His works are carved in granite, marble, jade and other exotic ornamental stones of Canada. Having produced 25 annual shows beginning in 1972, his work is widely collected in North America by private individuals and corporations. Large works commissioned for public display include the Terry Fox Memorial, Coquitlam, B.C.; the Sedna Sculpture, Toronto. Ontario; The Builders, Calgary, Alberta; the Alaskan Veteran's Memorial; 'The Sundial', Sechelt, B.C. ‘Salmon River’ and ‘Rejuvenation’ sculptures in granite in Burnaby, British Columbia; and ‘The Emperor’s Sunrise’ a sculpture in jade shown at the British Columbia Canada Pavilion, 2008 Beijing Olympics. George has sculpted many presentation works for foreign dignitaries, notably HRH Prince Philip; the Honourable Mary Robinson, President, Republic of Ireland; the Honourable Kim Young Sam, President of the Republic of Korea; the Honourable Corazon Aquino, President of the Philippines; President Boris Yeltsin, Russia and President William Clinton of the United States. He also has extensive teaching experience. George grew up in Haliburton and graduated from the Haliburton Highlands Secondary School. < All Artists George Pratt ABOUT SCULPTOR Artist Bio George Pratt is a professional stone sculptor who was initially introduced to the stone-carving arts by E.B. Cox in 1970. His works are carved in granite, marble, jade and other exotic ornamental stones of Canada. Having produced 25 annual shows beginning in 1972, his work is widely collected in North America by private individuals and corporations. Large works commissioned for public display include the Terry Fox Memorial, Coquitlam, B.C.; the Sedna Sculpture, Toronto. Ontario; The Builders, Calgary, Alberta; the Alaskan Veteran's Memorial; 'The Sundial', Sechelt, B.C. ‘Salmon River’ and ‘Rejuvenation’ sculptures in granite in Burnaby, British Columbia; and ‘The Emperor’s Sunrise’ a sculpture in jade shown at the British Columbia Canada Pavilion, 2008 Beijing Olympics. George has sculpted many presentation works for foreign dignitaries, notably HRH Prince Philip; the Honourable Mary Robinson, President, Republic of Ireland; the Honourable Kim Young Sam, President of the Republic of Korea; the Honourable Corazon Aquino, President of the Philippines; President Boris Yeltsin, Russia and President William Clinton of the United States. He also has extensive teaching experience. George grew up in Haliburton and graduated from the Haliburton Highlands Secondary School. Artist Website Installed Sculptures Together We Explore the Wild Pan Previous Sculpture Next Sculpture

Kevin Lockau lives and works north of Bancroft. A mixed media sculptor, Kevin won the 2009 Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Arts/Saidye Bronfman Award. Over his career, he invented three hot glass casting techniques, and was pivotal in developing the glass studio at Sheridan College, where he taught for 20 years. Kevin collects various sized stones on the shores of Lake Superior and after carving the stone, combines stone and glasswork together into sculptural pieces. He has exhibited across Canada, the United States, and Europe. < All Artists Kevin Lockau ABOUT SCULPTOR Artist Bio Kevin Lockau lives and works north of Bancroft. A mixed media sculptor, Kevin won the 2009 Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Arts/Saidye Bronfman Award. Over his career, he invented three hot glass casting techniques, and was pivotal in developing the glass studio at Sheridan College, where he taught for 20 years. Kevin collects various sized stones on the shores of Lake Superior and after carving the stone, combines stone and glasswork together into sculptural pieces. He has exhibited across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Link Unavailable Installed Sculptures Dreaming Stones Previous Sculpture Next Sculpture

Youkie Stagg < Back Originally Published On: January 1, 2016 Originally Published By: Haliburton Echo Atmo-Sphere Written By: Youkie Stagg When broken down to its origins, the word “atmosphere” is “atmo” which means vapour and “sphere” which is the same our modern definition. The sculpture was inspired by the theme “secret space.” “Atmo-sphere” is a spherical shape that creates a secret enclosure for quiet thoughts and reflection within the Sculpture Forest. The sculpture is made of granite stones, cement, Western cedar, and polished granite. It features a hidden archway, a quote from the poet Rumi written on the floor, and an oculus in the roof inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. Like the purpose of traditional oculi, the oculus of “Atmo-sphere” allows for light and air to enter the space, merging the outdoor and indoors. The striking physical appearance of the piece becomes secondary to the incredible feeling of being within the ‘secret space’ and the amplification of voices reverberating off of the walls. John MacKinnon, the creator of the work, is an artist from Nelson, BC. The Sculpture Forest offers free guided tours in July and August each Tuesday from 10-11:30 am and a shorter ‘Curator Selection” tour on Wednesday from 12:10 – 12:50. Meet at the kiosk in the Fleming College parking lot. < Previous Article Next Article >

Community members joined Jared Tait to learn about traditional woodland style painting and help to create and paint an installation for the Haliburton Sculpture Forest. < All Events Bawaajigan - To Dream Community members joined Jared Tait to learn about traditional woodland style painting and help to create and paint an installation for the Haliburton Sculpture Forest. Monday, August 12, 2024 Friday, August 16, 2024 Address: 297 College Drive, Haliburton, ON, Canada Bawaajigan means "To Dream". Jared Tait was the artist in residence in the Haliburton Sculpture Forest in August 2024. He worked with community members at the campus of the Fleming Haliburton School of Art + Design to create 3-dimensional woodland style paintings, which were installed in the Sculpture Forest on Saturday, August 17th, 2024. Jared Tait is a member of the Sachigo Lake First Nation an Oji-Cree First Nation in Treaty 9, territory in the far north of Ontario near the Manitoba border. Jared was raised in Thunder Bay. He currently resides with his family in the countryside near Bancroft, Ontario. In 2018, Jared began painting under the mentorship of his father, Tim Tait a self-taught artist. Jared recalls his childhood being surrounded by his father's paintings and being told the stories within them. Since his exposure to art at a young age, Jared has created a strong appreciation and connection to art. Through his understanding of the Woodland style and the methods of telling a story through his work, Jared captures the deep relations to the land and its creatures. He builds on these motivations to preserve the sacred stories, symbolism and teachings. Jared creates imagery inspired by his personal and spiritual experiences and hopes to pass his teachings on to future generations. People can see Jared’s work hanging near the registration desk of the Haliburton School of Art and Design. An image of his mural Biingiden can be seen on one of the panels in the kiosks at the entrances to the Sculpture Forest and Glebe Park. Photo Gallery: < Previous Next >

Charles O'Neil is a full-time artist living and working in the Haliburton Highlands. With a background in classical life drawing and painting, Charles earned many awards for his painting in juried competitions during the 1980's. By the 1990's Charles became interested in three dimensional sculptures and moved into the use of metals. With some artist blacksmithing techniques Charles developed a method of creating sculptures of wire commonly found at most building supply companies. Although subject matter of his sculptures varies widely, the human form has always been his main interest. Relieving the arts should not be taken too seriously; Charles strives to include a touch of humour in his work. With a long association with the Haliburton School of the Arts, and Sir Sandford Fleming College, Charles earned a Visual and Creative Arts diploma and an Artist Blacksmith Certificate. He became a faculty member in 1997, teaching both teens and adults wire sculpture, drawing, and painting. Charles is also an active member of the Haliburton Guild of Fine Arts, the Ontario Crafts Council, and the Craft Association of British Columbia. Charles O'Neil is presently showing his work in many galleries across Canada. His work can be found in galleries in Ottawa, Haliburton, Port Carling, Bracebridge, Toronto, and Vancouver. Acceptance of his work is international and is held in many private and corporate collections in New York, Southfield Michigan, London, England, Paris, France, Brisbane, Australia, and throughout Canada. < All Artists Charles O'Neil ABOUT SCULPTOR Artist Bio Charles O'Neil is a full-time artist living and working in the Haliburton Highlands. With a background in classical life drawing and painting, Charles earned many awards for his painting in juried competitions during the 1980's. By the 1990's Charles became interested in three dimensional sculptures and moved into the use of metals. With some artist blacksmithing techniques Charles developed a method of creating sculptures of wire commonly found at most building supply companies. Although subject matter of his sculptures varies widely, the human form has always been his main interest. Relieving the arts should not be taken too seriously; Charles strives to include a touch of humour in his work. With a long association with the Haliburton School of the Arts, and Sir Sandford Fleming College, Charles earned a Visual and Creative Arts diploma and an Artist Blacksmith Certificate. He became a faculty member in 1997, teaching both teens and adults wire sculpture, drawing, and painting. Charles is also an active member of the Haliburton Guild of Fine Arts, the Ontario Crafts Council, and the Craft Association of British Columbia. Charles O'Neil is presently showing his work in many galleries across Canada. His work can be found in galleries in Ottawa, Haliburton, Port Carling, Bracebridge, Toronto, and Vancouver. Acceptance of his work is international and is held in many private and corporate collections in New York, Southfield Michigan, London, England, Paris, France, Brisbane, Australia, and throughout Canada. More About O'Neil Installed Sculptures Fire and Ice: A Really Big Shoe Embracing Eos Previous Sculpture Next Sculpture