Art
French fries to juicy tomatoes, rock art brings joy to walkers in Victoria – Saanich News
The beef kebab, baked potato and corn on the cob sizzling on a barbecue outside Mary and Steve Barker’s James Bay home might make a passerby hungry, but biting into one of the many meals on display outside the home would be a big mistake.
The summer barbecue dinner, along with a charcuterie board, apple pie, jar of pickles and case of Ferrero Rocher, is made entirely from rocks.
Mary started working on the rock art display in 2014.
“I was looking for garden ornaments and they’re really expensive,” Mary said. “I like to make my own stuff so I went to the beach and tried to find things that would last in the weather.”
What she found were rocks that looked like french fries.
“And then we find another piece shaped exactly like a piece of steak,” she said. “I noticed the shape of things, the texture of things. And that’s how I started.”
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| James Bay artist Mary Barker was inspired to create rock art when she went looking for inexpensive lawn ornaments. Instead, she found rocks shaped like fries and a steak. (Nina Grossman/News Staff) |
The ‘rock artist’ also makes needlepoint rugs, drawer knobs, quilts, stained glass and more. But her rock display, in a more typical summer season, draws pedicabs and tourists to her front yard.
And it isn’t just food on display – although the bowls of juicy tomatoes, hard-boiled-eggs and crumpets of all kinds would be enough – Mary’s garden also features Russian nesting dolls, a violin, a laptop and an ashtray, complete with half-smoked rock cigarettes. The details are minute – down to the silver of the Diet Coke can and McDonald’s ‘M’ on an order of medium ‘rock’ fries.
Mary says sometimes the rocks, most found on the beach off Dallas Road, decide what they will be. One rock looked so much like a car that she had no choice but to paint on wheels and a windshield.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, Mary has noticed an uptick on visits to her website – the URL is displayed on a ‘rock computer’ in the yard.
She speculates more locals are out exploring the neighbourhood since many businesses are closed.
“Everybody says it makes them smile and even when I make them, they make me feel happy,” she said with a laugh. “I hope they have a good feeling when they walk by.”
Steve, who does most of the gardening, says they get plenty of comments.
“People are really appreciative, I find. They love telling their friends about it,” he said. “It does bring a smile to people’s faces.”
The painted rock display is located on Niagara Street in James Bay. For more information visit rock-art.ca.
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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