Shona Rae: Re-Imagined Narratives

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Shona Rae, "Beauty and the Beast," 2006

sterling silver, tagua nut, 18 karat yellow gold, constructed spiculum ring with forged, hand carved and cast elements, 4"H x 5 ½"W x 1"D, "Strength- 8", Image courtesy the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.

Opening reception: Oct 18, 5-8pm

Artist Talk: Nov 15, 12-1pm

Curated by Michele Hardy, organized by Nickle Galleries

Shona Rae: Re-Imagined Narratives is the culmination of two decades of work by this locally based 'madwoman extraordinaire.' Begun in 1998, Rae crafted 22 wearable sculptures inspired by fairy tales and the archetypes found in the Higher Arcana of the Tarot. Rae uses the Tarot, not for fortune telling, but for revealing insights into the journey of the human psyche. Each sculpture--made using goldsmithing techniques--contains moveable parts, hidden compartments and rich insights. Rae notes that "in our urge to tell stories we seek to give order and meaning to our lives, explain natural phenomena and understand the human condition."

Shona Rae is a professional artist, goldsmith and designer based in Calgary, Alberta. After studying clay sculpture at the Kootenay School of Arts, a series of dreams led her to begin studying the metal arts. She graduated with a BFA in jewellery from the Alberta College of Art in 2000. Rae has completed commissions for Glenbow Museum, the Calgary Police, two local Catholic churches, and Lougheed House amongst others. Her work is represented in both public and private collections and she is the recipient of numerous grants and awards including the Award of Excellence from the Alberta Craft Council in 2015, ACAD Legacy Award in 2016, and the Steel Trophy Award from the Canadian Metal Arts Guide in 2016.

In addition to her ongoing studio practice and managing the Blackboard Gallery, Rae is the lead singer/songwriter for Shona Rae and the VooDoo Hand, an original Swamp-a-billy rock and roll band based in Calgary.

An illustrated catalogue with a critical essay by Jennifer Salahub will accompany the exhibition.