NEW GLASGOW – As they grow for centuries, stretching above Pictou County’s settled towns and secluded woods, some trees develop knots, blemishes and irregular shapes.
The trees that bare scars of irregular growth are often undesirable to wood harvesters, but Lawrence Dunn sees these parts of the tree as opportunities for art.
The Westville-based wood sculptor takes chunks of trees and sculpts them into what he calls vessels. He uses this term to describe them because each piece tells a story.
“There’s so much about these pieces of wood that I have nothing to do with. I wasn’t even around when they were growing,” he said. “There’s always somewhat of a mystery to them.”
Dunn is one of several locals with art on display in a new exhibit called “It’s from Here,” in the Margaret George Gallery in New Glasgow.
Each one of Dunn’s pieces is different, just like each tree nestled in the woods of Pictou County.
When he starts shaping the wood, he has no idea what the finished product will look like. Each tree’s unique properties decide for him.
“You might come up with some big idea, but ultimately the wood tells you. It’ll say, ‘no you’re not’ or ‘OK go ahead,’” he said while standing in the Margaret George among his pieces. “Either there’s not enough wood to make that particular shape or a piece breaks off. You just don’t know what’s going to happen.”
He has a number of sources that allow him to search for the perfect piece of tree to work with. Among the chopped trees, he searches for colour, patterns and shapes that catch his eye.
“A lot of what I need to make a striking vessel, most woodsmen would throw away,” he said. “They’re a nuisance to them.”
Joan Krawczyk, one of the curators at the Margaret George who also has art in this exhibit, said he elevates craft to fine art with his sculpting.
“It’s about the joy of having a one of a kind sculpture that is elevated beyond the sense of the utilitarian,” she said.
Dunn said he owes his wood sculpting skills to his late teacher Gordon Dunphy of Taymouth, N.B., who mentored him for five years and passed away in 2008.
As Krawczyk and Dunn discuss his work, Gordon E. MacDonald paints a large-scale painting of the Ship Hector. He is another local artist with art on display in the new exhibit.
MacDonald said a local gallery featuring all local art is long overdue in Pictou County.
“I think it’s great,” he said. “It’s a wonderful idea.”
MacDonald will be painting in the corner of the gallery this summer in preparation for his solo show next summer. During Gallery hours, visitors can see him in action.
The “It’s from here” show also features local artists Lorraine Endicott, Todd Vassallo, Jaye Ouellette, Bill Roff, Watson Inglis, Marianne Collins and Peggi Thayer Denise Lynch and Carolyn Vienneau in addition to MacDonald, Krawczyk and Dunn.
“We want all the people from away to see what local people can do,” Krawczyk said. “We have elevated works, we have really a great quality of work that could be shown anywhere.”
The Margaret George Gallery is located at 195 Forbes St., New Glasgow, in the Celtic Circle and open 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sundays and by appointment at 902-755-8972.
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