It is almost always exhilarating to see new exhibits at the St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre – when they are of paintings, the walls are, for the first-time visitor, suddenly filled with works which engage through brushstroke and colour. Seeking response, David Morris’s exhibit of metal sculptures is similarly striking, exciting in this case, through dimension, form, texture, and detail.
Morris notes, “To produce these objects, my hand eye coordination is evident in the bending of the metal to my will. Steps in the fabrication of these works are evident in the final pieces. The accumulation of decisions and processes remain, imparting a narrative, to be followed by the observer.”
In many cases, one can imagine the excitement of the back and forth between the artist and his materials – in the case of Morris’s heads, it is even easier for the on-looker to imagine the artistic conversations taking place during their creation.
In many cases, one can imagine the excitement of the back and forth between the artist and his materials – in the case of Morris’s heads, it is even easier for the on-looker to imagine the artistic conversations taking place during their creation.
David Morris came originally to St. Thomas as the art gallery’s first director 43 years ago. He started as a post Group of Seven landscape artist but now works mostly as a sculptor. Interviewed for Relish Elgin in 2009, he commented “I would like people to think of me as a sculptor, as a person who does new things – a curious person. I like change, learning, the visual and tactile qualities of sculpting. It is a way of learning about society. It goes places where I didn’t expect to go – there’s humour in it.”
The exhibit at the art centre is a nice way for visitors to share in Morris’ on-going quest for creative surprises. It continues until October 27th, 2012.
The exhibit at the art centre is a nice way for visitors to share in Morris’ on-going quest for creative surprises. It continues until October 27th, 2012.
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