ART GALLERIES + MUSEUMS
PUT A BIRD ON IT
This collaboration by Calgary-based artists Dena Seiferling and Stefanie Staples at the Alberta Craft Council gallery ( page 28 ) is inspired by old , used and worn objects such as wooden pull toys , evoking nostalgia in the viewer while also inviting reflection on the value of bird biodiversity and the preservation of at-risk bird species .
In the Mobile Home piece , Stefanie Staples creates an imaginary future where some birds can no longer fly and live in mobile nests , allowing them to continue living in their home even with the demolition of their natural environment .
“ I hope a parallel theme is at play , and through these pieces we can see aspects of our own lives — enclosed , imbalanced , unable to function in our natural state without the help of technology ,” Staples says . “ I hope the viewers can also see elements of beauty in these pieces through the use of the materials and the simple shapes I utilized , and their own connection to childhood imagination and play .”
For the Preserved Cerulean Warbler music box piece , Dena Seiferling repurposed an antique bell box , which was used as a telephone signalling device .
“ The specialized function of the bell box is now obsolete technology , which conceptually echoes the predicament of the at-risk Cerulean Warbler , being a species of bird who requires a very specialized environment for it ' s survival ,” Seiferling says . “ One could view my sculptures as uncomfortable , representing a sadly unsustainable and artificial attempt at bird conservation . It is my hope that this feeling triggers questions around what is actually required to help preserve these bird species .”
— Silvia Pikal
TIP
Looking for something fun to do ? Visit the Firefighters Museum of Calgary — admission is by donation and there ' s free parking ! Learn more about the history of firefighting in Calgary , marvel at firetrucks and other artifacts ( page 31 ).
PHOTOGRAPHS : COURTESY ALBERTA CRAFT COUNCIL
30 where . ca MAY / JUNE 2018