This is the first in a series of blog posts designed to introduce some of the new artists that will be showing at the Buckland Merrifield Gallery when it opens this fall. I will be sending out posts throughout the summer in order to tell you about some of these new artists, as well as keeping you informed about special events involving artists currently represented by my gallery.
Melissa Leblanc is the first artist to be featured in this series. Melissa, an instructor at the New Brunswick College of Craft & Design, is a ceramic artist based near Fredericton. Shannon has arranged for Melissa to join our gallery when we open this fall.
Her sculptural explorations are a product of her vast imagination and humoristic view on life. As you view some images of her work below, you will see why we are quite excited to have Melissa join our new gallery.
Above: Harlequin Trio
Above: Madame Corvus
Above: Chickadee Choir
Given this small sampling of her work, it is easy to see why she was selected, in 2013, by the NB Arts Board, for an Emerging Artist Creation Grant. Also, in the summer of 2014, Melissa was granted a solo exhibition at Jonathon Bancroft-Snell Gallery in London, Ontario, Canada’s largest ceramic art gallery.
Shannon talked with Melissa concerning her decision to become a ceramic artist. Melissa told her that she touched clay for the first time in a sculpture class as a social science student during her time at University of Moncton. The moment her hands touched the clay, Melissa realized that she need to dedicate her life to ceramics. She dropped out of university and went to the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design in Fredericton, where she currently works as an instructor.
Melissa discussed some of her early influences.
“I grew up in a large family (I’m the youngest of 7) in Rogersville and spent alot of time in the woods climbing trees and being fascinated by nature and it’s beauty.
My parents are very artistic and they showed me their creative process. My mother is a painter and I used to watch her paint while my father is a musician and I used to listen to him sing and play the guitar while he wrote songs. It’s a rich environment to grow up in for someone who has a creative spirit.”
Above: Deer Knitting
Above: A Lovely Mourning
Above: Giraffe Family
Melissa explained her process for creating these wonderful figures, that seem to arise out of a well balanced blend: a delightful exuberance for nature and a darkly humourous view of humanity. She says, “Once I have found a subject matter, I sculpt the piece solid and hollow it out, once it is hard enough not to distort. I apply underglazes like paint to add color. Then I fire in a kiln to a bisque temperature. After, I apply an oxide stain to darken the work and enhance the lines and textures.”
Above: Mr. & Mrs. Bear; Melissa at work in her studio.
Watch for my next post when I will introduce you to two painters who have just joined the gallery: Marie Fox and Andrea Brewer.