Strata Gallery will be showing a retrospective of works by Riki Weiland called simply Works.
The show will feature Weiland’s diverse expressions in paint and sculpture from the last decade.
Riki Weiland studied at the Ontario College of Art in Toronto, and Cooper Union in New York City. She worked on the design teams for the Canadian Pavilion at Expo 67 and Osaka 69, and won international awards for her structural and graphic design.
In the 80’s, Weiland focused her energy on the fine arts, particularly sculpture and painting. She has had several solo exhibitions across the United States and Canada and won numerous awards.
When Weiland moved to Fergus in 1998, she met Jo-Anne Harder and jumped in to help with the first Elora Arts Council Sculpture Show, held outdoors in central Elora. This inspired her to start working with clay under the mentorship of Beverley Cairns at the Gage Sculpture Group, started by the renowned sculptor Frances Gage.
Later Weiland
furthered her studies with Geoffrey Stevens in an advanced sculpture group meeting at Elora Pottery.
When asked about working in clay, rather than another more traditional medium, Weildand says ‚“I like the feeling of the clay as I manipulate it … I love the warm textures of the finished piece … it is a gentle process as opposed to welding or carving. Perhaps I love it because I was not allowed to play with mud as a child.”
When Weiland moved to Elora, she began to paint large abstract works. Previously her two-dimensional work had focused on illustration, so this was another departure allowing for a new level of freedom of expression. These works are known for rich colours with lots of reds.
“Red is a colour of consequences – like the commitment of one’s life blood – but also a colour of celebration and vitality,” explains Weiland, who enjoys the language of colour and the energy of composition.
Weiland is a tireless community worker, volunteering as chair of the Elora Arts Council (two terms), chair of the Insights Committee and numerous arts steering committees.
The artist has continued to create stunning artwork throughout her cancer treatments despite loosing sensitivity in her fingers. Her strength during this difficult time has inspired the arts community.
Hosting Works is an important exhibition for the Strata Gallery, located at 62 Metcalfe Street in Elora.
“We wanted to show a variety of Riki’s works, in both painting and sculpture, and have reached out to private collectors to assist us,” said gallery co-owner Shirley Al.
“We have had a very generous response. It is truly an honour to exhibit Riki’s works; she not only is a remarkably talented artist but a major mentor and contributor to the arts community.”
Weiland’s show Works will be on exhibition at the Strata Gallery opens with a reception on Nov.10 from 7 to 10 pm and will run until Dec. 4.
The Strata Gallery is located at 62 Metcalfe Street. For more information visit www.stratagallery.com.
