Beaver Tales
September 11, 2008
Rachel Gotlieb, whose background is in craft and design, first conceived the idea for the show while doing research for a book she co-authored, Design in Canada. Although most early Canadian designer weren’t interested in vernacular themes, Gotlieb was intrigued by Dutch-Canadian textile artist Thor Hansen‘s attempts to develop a national style like the Group of Seven had done with painting.
Her research led her to other artists who, like Hansen, were fascinated with flora and fauna. One jeweler in particular that used strong Canadian imagery in 1967 convinced to make the exhibition a reality. Unfortunately she couldn’t include any of the jeweler’s work because it no longer existed, but the idea stuck.
“And then I realized this is not just common from Expo 67 but its also very popular today,” says Gotlieb. “It’s all about anti-globalization and trying to look for indigenous imagery and be inspired by that now. So it’s not specific to Canada itself, but it’s been very popular here.”
Other odd examples of Canadian imagery in craft and design are a trillium brooch designed by Reeva Perkins for the Ontario government, and a moosehead buffet. But Gotlieb says the most shocking example is the Umbra picture frames.
“I wasn’t looking for it, and there I saw these picture frames: one was an evergreen tree and the other was a deer head. I couldn’t believe it. It really is high and low, mass-produced and fine art; there all exploring this hunting mythology and imagery. If Umbra’s doing it, it really is a style.”
The umbra picture frames are a far cry from Emily Carr or the Group of Seven, and yet Kelleher believes national flora and fauna are being used just as legitimately as ever—even if it’s with a bit more humour. She points to Frank Gehry’s beaver armchair as an example. Although it is quite whimsical, she says he is very conscious of his Canadian identity.
“It must say something about us as a country, that we’re very much proud of its great natural beauty. I think, in a very basic way, looking at these images will remind us that yes its not the American flag we have up, it’s not George Bush’s ugly mug, it’s these things that we identify with as Canadians.”
Beaver Tales will be on display from Tue September 16 to Sat December 6 at the University of Toronto Art Centre.
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