Oh my, it’s been over a week since I last posted. Blame my absence on family… I am! It was all about visiting and catching up. Even so, we did squeeze in some arty stuff.

 

I’d like to tell you about our visit to the Sculpture Park at Duthie Gallery on Salt Spring Island. My brother Brett, my niece Robyn, my Mum and Dad and myself, wandered paths through majestic trees with sculptures tucked away or boldly grounded around each corner. We discovered a number of pieces entitled “Sentinel” and if we take the meaning of the word to be ‘something that appears to be standing guard or keeping watch’ this was truly the case. I felt as if they were watching, waiting, protective, strong and silent.

 

Take for example “Sentinel” by Michael Dennis:

 

And then there’s the completely different Sentinel by David Robinson, a rather more vulnerable figure:

 

 

And then there’s the Nine Sentinels by Brent Comber. According to gallery owner Celia Duthie, Comber applied a whitish paint that shows off the blue colour in the wood which he sees as representing the veins under the aging skin of the elders. In a powerful and protective circle, they share their wisdom and also stand guard. Inside the circle, one can feel their immense and gentle presence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inside the gallery I was mesmerized by the work of Judith Curelly. Inspired by the landscape of Northern BC where Curelly spends much of her time, these pieces feel as if they glow from within. The two pieces below include single figures. Having just come inside from the sculpture park, I couldn’t help but relate them to the Sentinels outside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is just a taste of what can be seen at the Duthie Gallery. If you are on Salt Spring, I suggest you make a visit! (Note, I was rather taken aback at first by the suggested donation to the Sculpture Park of $5individuals/$10 groups, but owners Celia Duthie and Nicholas Hunt have created a peaceful space, a place to ponder and to revel in beauty and I am sure the funds go to the upkeep of the grounds.) To see a bit more about the Duthie Gallery have a look at this piece by Shaw TV.

 

We also visited the Hastings House sculpture park but I’ll leave that for another time.

 

You know I’d love to hear from you and get your opinions on my blog and of course if you like what you’ve read, please feel to share 🙂

 

Take a walk in a park, breathe the air, and take time to see…really see.

 

Until next time,

~ Gail

 

PS. And just because I happened to see this tonight, check out this amazing video of Louie Schwartzberg: The hidden beauty of pollination