By Daniel Betts
Bringing something that is unseen into reality is at the core of artistic expression, which is what Valley artist Sharon Anderson aspires to do. On April 1st an art exhibit, titled “Finding Our Voices,” opened at the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum which features Anderson’s sculptures along with paintings created by Jasper artist Maria Pollock. Anderson felt that Pollock’s work shared the same energy as her own and similarly Pollock felt she was being called to enhance Anderson’s amazing “raku” pieces. “My spider energy translated very nicely with her earthy exploration with clay, focus, love, education and hope,” said Pollock in her artist statement.
Anderson has looked at indigenous cultures for inspiration and strives to show that we are all one. She wants her work to bring people to a place where they will feel connected. “I’m just a tool,” says Anderson humbly. In creating her sculptures Anderson was particularly interested in embracing the “feminine energy” in all of us, including men. “We should honour the feminine energy with the men we connect with; the Goddess energy connects in our beings and keeps us all the same,” Anderson said.
Anderson uses a complicated type of pottery called “raku,” which is characterized by hand moulding pieces, low firing temperatures and removing pieces from the kiln while they are still hot, to give glazes a very unique texture. Feminine energy is earthy and organic which explains the choice of clay in her work.
“Art is the one place where you are totally present,” Anderson declares.
“Finding our Voices” can be viewed at the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum, Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until April 30th.
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