Lisa Head Harbidge: Ticket to Ride

Artist Reception & Talk - Saturday, October 27 Reception 2 - 4pm, Talk 2:30pm

We’ve likely heard it all before... “One chance to live your life.” “No do-overs." “Live your bucket list.” Ticket to Ride is an array of glass and mixed media pieces created by Lisa Head Harbidge (Rocky Mountain House) depicting the ups and downs of life. Much like the rides at an amusement park, we are on our own ride and every minute is a timed event. 

Lisa explores the emotions of life’s circumstances. She questions where and how we can give our spirits a lift. And whether we should choose the safe, pretty pony on the carousel or the spirited one, on which we carry our hopes and dreams. She asks how we can cope with life when there are choices that are not in our control, whether by nature, humans, or circumstances. What swims through our thoughts and what makes some people ride it out while depression overwhelms others?

The glass pieces in this exhibition utilize a variety of techniques, from traditional painted stained glass to kiln formed glass. The variety of formal practices capitalize on the connection between light with life and allow us to ask these questions, giving us pause to consider.

Lisa Head Harbidge was born in Red Deer, Alberta, and after several household moves, has been settled in Rocky Mountain House since 1992. A love for the creative process lead Lisa to enroll in the Alberta College of Art + Design, from which she graduated with a major in sculpture, combining the freedom of creative process with various mediums.

While attending ACAD she began working for a prominent art glass studio in Calgary, where she helped develop new techniques for a traditional art form. Lisa apprenticed by learning methods such as copper foil construction, leading, fusing, etching etc. From commissioning, designing, and construction to lighting, restoration, and installation, she developed a diverse working knowledge of what was involved to produce quality works that will stand the test of time.

Her work is strongly influenced by the aspects of nature that surrounds her on her ranch. She balances studio time with teaching glass art, producing work for galleries, her passion for animals, and the ranch.