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The University College of Cape Breton (UCCB) Art Gallery will present the work of two multi-talented Cape Breton artists from February 19 to April 12, 2002. Mentors—Hand to Hand features inspiring photography and sculpture by Carolyn Ritchie-Bedford and Deconstruction is an exciting series of paintings by Carlo Spinazzola. The public is invited to the opening reception for Ritchie-Bedford and Spinazzola on Tuesday February 19, at 7:00 p.m. in the UCCB Art Gallery.
Spinazzola describes himself as “a fine roots artist, primitive in line and colour as well as raw in verse and melody.” With this comes the guarded nature and implied grandeur of an artist whose sole purpose is not to be confused by second-guessing while creating. Instead, the artist tries to make the statement complete and then comfortably moves on to the next project in waiting.
As an artist, Spinazzola admits that he gets largely consumed at the onset of a new creative venture. His pursuits of that goal become the source of what he calls “inspirational fuel.” All hope and faith is then placed on the observer — you must be prepared to use these gifts as reflective tools. The paintings, the music, the video — all of these are simply individual items. In order to maximize their power, you must allow yourself to examine the emotion and spirit of this entire body of materials. In turn, you can reinvest the intense energy that acts as a positive force in your being.
Ritchie-Bedford’s exhibition is about the handing down of a craft to another generation and the mentoring process of learning a new craft and art form. Two elders, masters in their craft, come to a time in their lives when they wish to see others take up their pursuits. As watchers now, they enjoy the interest of others who wish to learn what they have refined.
One master, the artist’s father, was a photographer who was pleased to pass on his equipment to his daughter who has endeavoured to follow in his footsteps with his lifelong craft. Another master, a sculptor nearing retirement, was anxious to pass on the ancient art of lost wax sculp-ture. For both masters, there was an opportunity to see their medium continue, in the knowledge that the crafts would be passed from hand to hand. For Ritchie-Bedford, the apprentice, the mentoring of two new mediums and the companionship and shared experience of two lives, has been invaluable.
The exhibit continues until April 12. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
