Martin Schatz and Ted Rinkel

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Martin Schatz

The Edge Gallery CALGARY is pleased to present work by Alberta Folk Artists, Martin Schatz and Ted Rinkel!

Martin Schatz (1911-1994) Martin Schatz was born in Foremost, Alberta, and settled with his wife on a farm near Cowley, Alberta, in 1951. His career as an artist began by making whirlygigs that he displayed in their farm yard. He kept a studio in the basement of their farmhouse, where he created folk art pieces using simple carving tools and recylced materials. Friends, neighbors and visitors were fascinated with his crude carvings, first taking pictures and then to Martin's surprise asking to purchase his creations and showcasing them in their homes! He drew inspiration from his rodeo and farming experiences, and is also known for his representations of indigenous wildlife.  Both Schatz and his wife competed in rodeos and Martin specifically participated in bronc riding, barrel racing and pole bending.  Martin Schatz passed away in 1994 but during his short artistic career, he certainly made a significant contribution as a Canadian folk artist, exhibiting with Canadian Art Galleries where his work was coveted by many collectors and prestigious organizations such as the Glenbow Museum, and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.

Ted Rinkel (1936- ) is a self-trained artist, retired truck driver and avid collector. For years he did long haul trips across Canada encountering a diversity of people and curiosities. A walk through his Southeast Calgary home is a testament to his travels.  Art, antiques and found objects are at home with his unique, whimsical and often humorous wooden sculptures.  Rinkel was born in Holland and immigrated to Alberta with his family after the Second World War. They worked for a short time on a sugar beet farm near Lethbridge before settling in Calgary a few years later. The farming and cowboy culture that he was first exposed to have served as inspiration for many drawings throughout his life but the decision to translate these drawings into three dimensional figures came about during his retirement. It was a shift that was made possible by having more free time and motivated by his admiration for the wood carved folk art sculptures he collected during drives through Quebec. From bicycle rides to campfires and bucking horses, the sculptures are drawn from Rinkel’s observations on the road and in his neighbourhood. What emerges are animated figures that illustrate familiar narratives. They bring levity and joy to their audience and provide a window into the colourful personality of their creator.