The Arts Council here has announced the 2007 Jane Graham Memorial award was won by artist blacksmith Graeme Sheffield, of Guelph.
Describing himself as self-trained, “exploring the limits of the steel medium as well as other alloys, while keeping the ancient art of blacksmithing alive,” Sheffield submitted his application as a request for assistance to attend a two-day workshop offered by a respected blacksmith with a long history of exploring this art using traditional and contemporary methods.
This “watching and then doing” under the careful mentorship of an expert is exactly what Sheffield feels he needs to advance his skills, expand the body of work that he has developed on his own, and open new avenues of creativity for him.
The jury that selected Sheffield commented on his excellent application, particularly how he outlined his reasons for wanting to pursue studies.
The jury was also impressed with his commitment to and passion for his work, his interest in exposing more people to the “wonders of working with fire, steel and water,” as well as his focus and desire to take his work to the next level.
For 2007, the jury decided on a special mention award for Guelph artist Peter Howlett who paints mainly with acrylic on canvas.
The Jane Graham Memorial Award, was established in memory of artist Graham following her death in 2005.
The council’s memorial fund is managed by the Guelph Community Foundation.
Guelph Arts Council is annually able to assist visual artists residing and practising in Guelph or Wellington County, helping them to pursue professional development opportunities that will contribute to individual personal artistic growth.
For more information about the program, contact Guelph Arts Council at 519-836-3280 or gac@sentex.net.
For more about Sheffield, visit guelpharts.ca/graemesheffield. Howlett’s work can be seen at guelpharts.ca/peterhowlett.
