Following her studies, Erica spent a few years traveling, then moved back to Hamilton two years ago to make a home for her son. Traveling and taking care of a young child on her own has necessitated putting her passion for her work in glass on the back burner. Nevertheless, her joy in creating objects with both functional and aesthetic appeal found its expression when she took a course in ceramics. She continues to explore ways to combine the two components in her work, considering them to be equally valuable.
Erica learned to sew at a young age and has been creating unique clothing for years. Motherhood has inspired her as an artist in many ways. She has recently been working on “Upcycled” children’s clothing which is being sold at “Little Bird” on Ottawa Street. Upcycling is taking something which would normally be thrown away and making it into something that has equal or greater use or value.
One of Erica’s latest undertakings is the Market Place, or what is now called “Out of the Box” at Sky Dragon. This combines many of her skills and talents in a new and exciting venture. Maday recently asked Erica to elaborate on this project:
1.) What kind of media do you work in? Why? What are the challenges/rewards to working in more than one medium?
I work in glass, ceramics, textiles and painting in acrylic and I would welcome the opportunity to learn more. Many of the skills and techniques you learn in one medium can be transferred to others. Painting has been useful in clay, glass and textiles and many of the things I’ve learned in glass are very helpful in my ceramics.
2.) Why/How did you become interested in developing the market space at the Sky Dragon?
I attend at the Sky Dragon on a regular basis with my family and friends. I became interested in developing the market place when Sky Dragon announced they were having problems with the mortgage. I saw many people offering help in many ways; such as, legal advice, grant writing, and volunteering with Marg Ann for Bread and Roses. I saw the Market Place/ Out of the Box as a chance for me to apply my skills and training and hopefully do something meaningful.
3.) What’s your vision for “Out of the Box”? Where do you hope to see it in a year? How would you like to see it grow?
It has been somewhat of a slow process generating interest but as more spaces are filled, especially recently, more artists want to be involved.
We have even had a few art donations, including some of my own work. When sold, the proceeds would go directly to the Save the Dragon Fund.
In a year’s time I would like to see an even greater diversity of artists participating in Out of the Box. I hope to develop (more) interest within the community and outside of it. Out of the Box is a great place to come and see and purchase unique art from a great selection of artists.
4.) What sort of pieces does “Out of the Box” currently display?
“Out of the Box” has a variety of different work. There are ceramicists, jewelers, works in textiles, painting, wood work, stained glass, traditional Pysanky, leather work, and work from L’Arche Hamilton. It’s exciting to see so many different mediums and artists in one place. I’m really looking forward to seeing which other artists will become involved.
5.) Some of the wares in “Out of the Box” are described as crafts. What’s the difference between crafts and art?
Craft and art are so intertwined. Is there a difference between a craftsperson and an artist? If so what is it?
I have spent countless hours in debate about this subject and there probably isn’t enough room in this magazine to answer that question, assuming there even is an answer.
Out of the Box’s Vision Statement
“Out of the Box” is a marketplace that endeavours to build business practices benefitting all parties. Its aim is to promote and sustain artists in Hamilton, while also helping community members access various art media and hand-made crafts at a fair price.
Current artists include Ginelle Bucher, Lisa Bakody, Juliana La Chance, and Jon Busuttil, and various artists from the L’Arche Hamilton community .
Visit “Out of the Box” at 27 King William inside the Bread & Roses Café
Artists who would like to sell their work in “Out of the Box” may contact Erica Preston-French:
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