ARTIST STATEMENT
Duality – moose skull – 29x10x15in – 1997
I delight in taking found antlers, horns and bones, ethically sourced, and transforming them into fine sculpture — meaningful objects of rare beauty.
The mode of carving is suggestive of a way forward for our rapidly changing planet, one in which we’ll create beautifully original solutions, ethically and sustainably, directly with nature.
Duality
I became aware of duality early on as a left-handed child in the right handed world of the 1960’s. So many ‘preferences’ were considered right or wrong back then. To function in a right-handed world, I learned to do everything, except writing (thanks Mom and Dad), in a right-handed fashion. Scissors, baseball gloves, student desks, even following directions, left or right, proved challenging.
Later I learned that left handedness comes from the orientation of the brain’s structure – its hemispheres. And more than this, that certain characteristics were attributed to persons who were either left- or right brained: logical thinking and creative feeling.
It is this left brain-right brain duality that I explore in my work with carved curved and angled elements (see Duality, 1997), carved on each hemisphere, or side, of the sculpture. However, as brain researchers discover the two hemispheres work together, I have begun to integrate the curved and angled elements in my sculpture.
Creativity within Limitation
Presciently, the environmental scientist, Donella Meadows, stressed the importance of integrating feeling and thinking. “Feelings, like knowledge, don’t directly change anything. But feelings and knowledge together are motors for change.” And change we need!
Humans are faced with a series of planetary limitations or ‘boundaries’, which, if exceeded, will make the Earth uninhabitable. Clearly we need to learn to live within these planetary limits.
It is amazing to see what can be accomplished creatively within the limits of an artistic medium; greater creativity, often, than if there were no parameters at all. As I work to realize my integrated designs within the natural limits or boundaries of antler, horn and bone, my ardent hope is that humanity will learn to work creatively within the natural limits and boundaries of nature.
Moose Antler
A moose’s two antlers resemble our own two hands, palms facing toward us, thumbs out. Appropriately named, the large flat area on a moose antler is called the palm, the ‘fingers’ are called tines. The palm is the principal surface used for carving, and can act as a canvas for figurative portrayals or abstract treatment. Antler is structured like a sandwich in cross-section. The outer layer is hard and holds detail and polish well. The inner layer is porous and holds moderate detail and polishes reasonably well. Antler is a warm medium, unlike stone.
I source my antler from Canada’s Yukon, where there are over 70,000 moose and more caribou. The bulls shed their antlers every year after mating season. A small number of these antlers are collected to be carved. Moose are also subsistence hunted by Yukoners. A few thousand are taken annually. The government has been encouraging hunters to take the whole animal out of the bush after the hunt, including the antlers.
Carving Tools
Antler is difficult to carve by hand with chisels and rasps. Antler became available artistically as a viable sculptural medium in the 1970’s, following the advent of consumer grade electrical grinding tools. This is when angle grinders, die grinders, flexible shaft grinders, and micro-motor grinders entered the hobby market.
Emax micromotor tool – my favourite!
A variety of ‘tree’ shaped burrs
Antler carving is possible largely because these power tools make use of burrs. Burrs are similar to drill bits, but with shaped ends: cone, cylinder, sphere, each with embedded cutting blades or abrasive surfaces. They are made from high speed steel, tungsten carbide or an abrasive matrix. The cutting edges are either single or double fluted.
In order to create stunning detail in a carving, the preferred tool is the micro-motor grinder. The motor that spins the burr is small, as the name suggests and resides in the handpiece itself. The hand-piece is wired to a control box, which controls the speed and direction of the rotation, and can accommodate a variety of burrs. It is used as an artist uses a pencil, to shape the work, creating contour, outline, shadow and infinite detail.
Unlike the hobby-grade Dremel Tool, the micro-motor tool is a precision instrument, finely machined with no wobble and negligible vibration, making them a joy to use. The micro-motor tool is a variant of the grinder the local dentist uses when carving your ivory.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Public Collections And Commissions
Ceremonial Antler (video) – produced for Yukon University Convocation 2020 & 2021
Brush Creek Ranch Permanent Art Collection: Curvy Caribou (Commissioned by Kevin Barry Fine Art Consultants for the Farm at Brush Creek, Cheyenne Club Entrance), Brush Creek, Wyoming, USA, 2021
Curvy Caribou – caribou antler – 45x35x15in, entrance of Cheyenne Club, Brush Creek Ranch, Wyoming, USA, 2021
Yukon University: Ceremonial Antler (Commissioned by Jacqueline Bedard for donation to the Yukon University Foundation, to be carried at Yukon University Convocation Ceremonies), Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 2020
The Four Seasons Hotel Toronto Permanent Canadian Contemporary Art Collection: Candle Ice Two (Commissioned by James Robertson Art Consultants and Yabu Pushelberg for the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto), Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 2012
Candle Ice Two – moose antlers – 46x28x20in, in the lobby of Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 2012
The Haines Junction Permanent Art Collection: Skullpture Series – Gaia (Donated in full by the artist), Haines Junction, Yukon, Canada, 2009
The Yukon Arts Centre Gallery Permanent Collection: Self Portrait (Donated by Earl Bennett and the artist), Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 2009
The Yukon Arts Centre Gallery Permanent Collection: Candle Ice, acquired 2008, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 2008
The Haines Junction Permanent Art Collection: Skullpture Series (Fourteen works in bronze, donated in full by the artist), Haines Junction, Yukon, Canada, 2007
The Governments of Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut: Three Northern Torches representing Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut (each Territory’s representative Torch donated by the Canada Winter Games Host Society to that Territory for permanent display), Canada, 2007
The Whitehorse 2007 Canada Winter Games: Three Northern Torches representing Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut (Commissioned by Touch The North Inc. for donation to the Canada Winter Games Host Society), Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 2006
Yukon Voice – mammoth ivory – 3x3in – 2004, collection of The Right Honourable Paul Martin, Prime Minister of Canada
The Yukon Permanent Art Collection: Yukon Seasons (Donated in full by the artist, dedicated, with gratitude, to Ruth McCullough, for her hard work and singular dedication to fostering visual art and fine craft in Yukon), Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 2006
The Yukon Hospital Foundation: Tundra Swan (commissioned as a symbol for the “Under Our Wings” Fundraising Campaign), Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 2005
J.C. Wilson Chemicals Ltd.: Humpback Breaching (commission), London, Ontario, Canada, 2005
The Collection of Yukon Member of Parliament, the Hon. Larry Bagnell: The Shooting of Dan McGrew – on loan to the MacBride Museum, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 2004
The Collection of The Right Honourable Paul Martin, Prime Minister of Canada: Yukon Voice (commissioned by the Yukon Territorial Government as a gift, upon his visit to Yukon, August 13-14), Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 2004
Redism.com: A New Kind of Art Gallery: Virtual Art Competition and Gallery (sponsored by Bass Beer)- Award: First Place – Sculpture for Celtic Confusion, Online, 2003
The Grand Slam Club: Faro Fannin, commissioned for Foundation for North American Wild Sheep (FNAWS) Convention, Reno Nevada, U.S.A., 2001
The Collection of Yukon Supreme Court Justice, the Hon. Ron Veale: Denali (on display in his Chambers), Whitehorse, Yukon Canada, 2000
The Yukon Permanent Art Collection: Raven: Bringer of Light (50% donation artist/50% purchase by Friends of the Gallery), Whitehorse, Yukon Canada, 2000
Arctic Winter Games 2000: Denali (commission to represent Team Alaska), Whitehorse, Yukon Canada, 2000
City of Dawson: Five Ivory Broaches (commission) Dawson City, Yukon Canada, 2000
Shows
Borealis and Oreithyia – moose antlers – 52x30x18in, in the lobby of the Four Seasons Resort Whistler, Whistler, B.C., Canada, 2017
Borealis and Oreithyia, Ongoing Display, Westin Resort Whistler Lobby, Whistler, B.C., Canada, 2019-Present
Borealis and Oreithyia, Ongoing Display, Four Seasons Resort Whistler Lobby, Whistler, B.C., Canada, 2016-2019
‘Pieces of Canada’, Alces Madonna, Niagara Falls History Museum, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, 2017
‘Inaugural Exhibition’, Seahorses, Museum of Post Contemporary Art, Virtual Gallery, Online, 2014
‘Art Takes Times Square’, Celtic Confusion, Times Square, New York, USA, 2012
‘Sculpted Dimensions’, Seahorses, Buckhorn Fine Art Festival, Buckhorn, Ontario, Canada, 2011
Shane Wilson discusses his Silvi Skullpture Series at the Algonquin Art Centre Gallery Opening, Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada, 2011
‘International Year of the Forests Exhibition’, Seahorses, Black Bear Birch, Black Bear Oak, Wolf Pine Beetle Galleries – Silvi Skullpture, Algonquin Art Centre, Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada, 2011
‘Art of the Commons’, multiple works, Wildlife Art Journal, Online, 2011
‘Art of the Commons’, multiple works, Wildlife Art Journal, Online, 2010
‘Instructors’ Show’ – Series: Summer School for the Visual Arts, Seahorses, Red Deer College Library, Red Deer College, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, 2008
‘The Art of Change: Works from the Yukon Permanent Art Collection, Raven: Bringer of Light, Yukon Arts Centre Gallery, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 2005
‘Explore and Embrace a Special Wild Place’, Tundra Swans, (sponsored by The Wildlife Viewing Program and Yukon Government, in collaboration with the Yukon Art Society), Yukon Art Society Gallery, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 2005
‘The Vernacular of Robert Service Festival Show’, The Shooting of Dan McGrew, MacBride Museum, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada 2005
‘Tenth Anniversary Annual Robert Service Dinner’: Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Robert Service’s Arrival in Yukon, displayed The Shooting of Dan McGrew, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada 2004
‘The International Exhibitions of Sculptural Objects and Functional Art (SOFA)’, accepted to attend with portfolio as a member of Canada’s Trade Mission, organized by the Canadian Consulate General in Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA, 2004
‘Instructors’ Show’ – Series: Summer School for the Visual Arts, Dall Sheep Duality, Red Deer College Library, Red Deer College, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, 2004
‘Grand Opening Show’, Yukon Seasons, Grizzly 1 and Small Wolverine 1 – Skullpture Series, Yukon Artists @ Work Gallery, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 2004
‘Redism.com: A New Kind of Art Gallery: Virtual Art Competition and Gallery’ (sponsored by Bass Beer), Celtic Confusion, First Place – Sculpture, Online, 2003
‘Yukon Arts Centre Gallery Tenth Anniversary Show’, Candle Ice, Yukon Arts Centre Gallery, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 2002
‘FNAWS – Foundation for North American Wild Sheep Convention’, Faro Fannin, Reno, Nevada, USA, 2001
‘Euroart 2000’ (selected by Euroart 2000 to represent Canada), Celtic Confusion, Candle Ice, Duality, Barcelona, Spain, 2000
Canada’s Governor General, the Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson, views Celtic Confusion at the Odd Gallery Grand Opening, Dawson City, Yukon, Canada, 2000
‘New Beginnings’, Celtic Confusion, Odd Gallery – Grand Opening, (Gallery and Show opened by Her Excellency, the Right Honorable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada), Dawson City, Yukon, Canada, 2000
‘Convergence: The Exhibition of the 2000 Arctic Winter Games’, Denali, Yukon Arts Centre Gallery, (Show opened by Her Excellency, the Right Honorable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada), Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 2000
‘Light’, Raven: Bringer of Light, Yukon Arts Centre Gallery, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 1999
‘Northern Encounters ’99: A Circumpolar Festival of the Arts’, Celtic Confusion, Candle Ice, Millennium Tusk (in progress), Toronto and Kleinburg, Ontario, Canada, 1999
‘Love, Romance and Erotica’, Celtic Confusion, The Guild, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 1999
‘The Great Northern Arts Festival’, Celtic Confusion, Candle Ice (in progress), Inuvik, NWT., Canada, 1998
‘The Fireweed Festival’, Celtic Confusion, (First Place: Carving, Fine Art), Faro, Yukon, Canada, 1998
Whitehorse International Airport, (Ongoing display – various) Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 1997-2001
Publishing Credits
Ceremonial Antler (video) – Brendan Preston, Director, Editor & Cinematographer; Lucy-Anne Kay, Story and Narration – produced for Yukon University Convocation 2020 & 2021 (during COVID protocols)
Pieces of Canada – Exhibit Guide: 150 Objects – 150 Stories, by Suzanne Moase, Curator, Niagara Falls Museums, p. 34 Alces Madonna, Image and text, 2017
Transforming the Unexpected: Artist to Collect – Shane Wilson, by Bret Anningson, Arabella Magazine: Canadian Art, Architecture and Design – Winter 2015, p. 160 – Borealis and Oreithyia, Big Horns Ram, Gaia, Tundra Swan, Yukon Seasons, Short Eared Parliament, Duality, Seahorses, Self Portrait, Dall Sheep Duality, Wolf-Pine Beetle Galleries – St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada, 2015
Ornate Antler Sculptures by Shane Wilson, by Caro Buermann, Hi Fructose Magazine: The New Contemporary Art Magazine Blog – Gaia, Borealis and Oreithyia, Alces Madonna, Short Eared Parliament, Yukon Seasons, Duality, Candle Ice, Candle Ice Two, Male Seahorse – Richmond, California, U.S.A., 2015
Carve, by Kent Wilson, Outdoor Lifestyle Magazine, Spring/Summer 2015, p. 88-89 – Short Eared Parliament – Dundas, Ontario, Canada, 2015
Art Takes Times Square, p. 102, edited by Jeffrey Aldrich – Celtic Confusion – New York, New York, 2012
Fine Art At Four Seasons Toronto, by Elaine Glusac, Four Seasons Magazine – Candle Ice Two – On Line Version, June 2013
True North, by Elaine Glusac, Four Seasons Magazine, Issue 2, p. 166 – Candle Ice Two – Greensboro, North Carolina, June 2013
Ice Floe II – cover image, Self Portrait – musk oxen horns, bronze wolf skull, 14x23x11in, University of Alaska Press, Fairbanks, Alaska, U.S.A., 2008-2009
Ice Floe II, Edited by Shannon Gramse and Sarah Kirk, Cover – Self Portrait – University of Alaska Press, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2011
Artist Workspaces: Shane Wilson’s Studio, Branch Magazine: Private Parts, Issue 6 – Big Horns Ram, Melt (in progress) – Online, 2011
Algonquin Art Centre Blog and Newsletter: Interview with Shane Wilson – Black Bear Birch, Black Bear Oak, Wolf Pine Beetle Galleries – Silvi Skullpture, Self Portrait, Canada Winter Games Northern Torches, Gaia, Algonquin Art Centre, Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada, 2011
Artist Feature: Shane Wilson, International Year of Forests: An Artist’s Perspective, Gallery Program – Black Bear Birch, Black Bear Oak, Wolf Pine Beetle Galleries – Silvi Skullpture (in progress), Gaia, Black Bear 2 – Skullpture Series – Algonquin Art Centre, Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada, 2011
Feature Artist: Shane Wilson, Branch Magazine: Wild, Issue 5 – Yukon Seasons (cover), European Robin, Humpback Breaching, Seahorses, Dall on the Rocks, Duality, Candle Ice, Celtic Confusion, Faro Fannin – Online, 2011
Series Summer School of the Arts Course Catalogue Red Deer College – detail of Male Seahorse used on cover and header graphics – Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, 2011
Celebration of Swans, Poster – Tundra Swans – mammoth ivory – 3x3in – 2005
Wildfowl Art of a Different Nature, by Jim Clark, Wildfowl Art: The Journal of the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, Summer Issue, p. 22 – Jim details his learning experiences with master carvers Floyd Scholz and Shane Wilson – Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, Ocean City, Maryland, U.S.A., 2010
Collaborations, Branch Magazine: Home, Issue 2.2 – The Shooting of Dan McGrew, a collaboration with Dwayne Cull and Robert Service – Online, 2010
Shane Wilson: Honouring the Power of Wild Life, by Todd Wilkinson, Wildlife Art Journal – Gaia, Celtic Confusion, Yukon Seasons, Duality, Candle Ice, Grizzly 2 – Skullpture Series, Tundra Swan, Self Portrait – Online, Boseman, Montana, U.S.A., 2010
Shane Wilson: Honouring the Power of Wild Life, by Todd Wilkinson, Trophy Rooms from Around the World, Vol. 15, p. 158-167 – Gaia, Celtic Confusion, Yukon Seasons, Duality, Candle Ice, Grizzly 2 – Skullpture Series, Tundra Swan, Self Portrait – Proguide Publishing, Poplar Grove, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2010
Antlers: A Guide to Collecting, Scoring, Mounting, and Carving, by Dennis Walrod, p. 158-167 – Celtic Confusion, image and artist bio – Stackpole Books, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.A, 2005, (2nd edition, revised, updated and in colour, 2010)
A Celebration of Swans: Poster and Events Pamphlet – Tundra Swans, winner of the 2005 Celebration of Swans Poster Competition – Environment Yukon, Wildlife Viewing Program, Yukon, Canada, 2005
Hunters and Collectors, Poster and Invitation – Yukon Seasons – Illuseum Gallery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2004
Ice-Floe: International Poetry of the Far North, Cover art – Duality, Summer 2002 and Candle Ice, Winter 2002 – Issues, University of Alaska Press, Fairbanks, Alaska, U.S.A., 2002
Up From the Permafrost – 2002 Calendar, December – Literacy – Yukon Learn, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 2002
Up From the Permafrost (Coffee Table Book), p. 18 – Literacy – Yukon Learn, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 2000
On Yukon Time: Campbell Region – Faro Fannin – Arts Branch, Dept of Tourism and Culture, Yukon Government, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 2002
Sculpture Forum Magazine, Brochure – Duality – Pothole Publications, St. Louis Park, Minnesota, U.S.A., 1998
Work also appears in numerous Yukon Government and Tourism related publications, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 1999-2008
Media
Yukon University Ceremonial Antler
Ceremonial Antler carried Amber Taylor-Fisher, Student Speaker/Valedictorian – Yukon University Convocation 2022, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 2022 (photo by Doronn Fox)
CBC News: “Grad Credits Yukon U for giving her confidence and direction to do ‘what really matters to me’” photos and story by Sissi De Flaviis (photo of Ceremonial Antler carried in procession by Amber Taylor-Fisher) – Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, June 6, 2022
Yukon University Convocation 2022 Procession, lead by Amber Taylor-Fisher, Student Speaker, carrying the Ceremonial Antler, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, June 2022 (photo by Yukon University)
The Yukon News: “Yukon College Gets Set to Host First University Convocation” (Jaqueline Bedard commissions Shane Wilson to carve a ceremonial centerpiece from caribou antler to be carried in procession) by Stephanie Waddell, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, March 5, 2020
The Parksville Qualicum Beach News – Spotlight: “Artists Merge onto Info Superhighway” by J.R. Rardon, p A5,6 (background interview and discussion about the evolving experience of creating and maintaining a website as a marketing tool for almost 20 years), Parksville, BC, Canada, February 18, 2016
The Parksville Qualicum Beach News – Spotlight: “Artists Battle Underexposed Images” by J.R. Rardon, p A5,6 (background interview and discussion about gaining exposure for one’s art through sharing/use of images in traditional and social media), Parksville, BC, Canada, February 11, 2016
Radio Canada International – Arts and Entertainment: Interview with Marc Montgomery “Shane Wilson – Unique artist in a unique medium, moose antler and horn” – Yukon Seasons, Borealis and Oreithyia, Self Portrait – Montreal, Quebec, Canada, February 7, 2016
The Parksville Qualicum Beach News – Spotlight: “What’s in the Eye of the Beholder?” by J.R. Rardon, p A5,7 (background interview and discussion of changes in the local art market), Parksville, BC, Canada, February 4, 2016
Borealis and Oreithyia
CBC All Points West: In studio interview with Robyn Burns “Island Artist Makes the Most of a Difficult Situation” – Borealis and Oreithyia – Victoria, BC, Canada, April 13, 2015
Nanaimo Daily News – The HUB: “Sculptor Carves Antler and Bone to Create Works of Art” by Ross Armour, p B3 – Borealis and Oreithyia (Ahead of the Curves) – Nanaimo, BC, Canada, March 26, 2015
CBC Yukon – Airplay: Dave White interviews Shane Wilson – Borealis and Oreithyia (Ahead of the Curves) – Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, February 26, 2015
The Parksville Qualicum Beach News – Spotlight: “Staying Ahead of the Curves” by Jessica Skelton, p A5 – Borealis and Oreithyia (Ahead of the Curves) – Parksville, BC, Canada, February 19, 2015
Teaching Material about Robert Service – The Shooting of Dan McGrew – Northwoods Press, Online, 2015
Yukon Arts Centre Blog, “Artwork Wednesday: Shane Wilson” – Candle Ice, Candle Ice Two, Yukon Seasons, Gaia, Yukon Torch, Shooting of Dan McGrew – Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, December 2014
Arizona Gourds Newsletter, “Related Arts Feature”, edited by Bonnie Gibson – Dall on the Rocks, Short Eared Parliament (detail) – Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A., January 2014
Candle Ice Two – Four Seasons Hotel Toronto
Four Seasons Toronto Hotel – d|bar with Candle Ice Two – moose antlers – 46x28x20in – 2012 (background-profile)
En Route Magazine – Air Canada, ‘Review: Four Seasons Hotel Toronto’, (photo d|bar and Candle Ice Two by Shane Wilson), Montreal, Quebec, Canada, May 2014
Discovery Channel – Nerve Centre: “Four Seasons Hotel” (shots of Candle Ice Two during program) Season 3, Episode 1, Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.A., June 2013
CTV E-Talk: ‘Boulud Terrace Launch” (Segment on Terrace Launch shows Four Seasons Toronto d | bar with Candle Ice Two in background) Toronto, Ontario, Canada, June 5, 2013
Conde Nast Traveler Hot List 2013 (image of d|bar designed by Yabu Pushelberg and Candle Ice Two by Shane Wilson), London, U.K., April 2013
The Grid.com: “After the Party, It’s the Hotel Lobby” (Four Seasons Hotel Toronto photo of ‘d | bar’ with profile shot of Candle Ice Two by Shane Wilson in background) Toronto, Ontario, Canada, October 12, 2012
Toronto Life.com: “Introducing: Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, the Haute Brand’s New Flagship” (Four Seasons Hotel Toronto photo of ‘d | bar’ with profile shot of Candle Ice Two by Shane Wilson in background used in slideshow, also great shot of the hotel entrance adjacent to sculpture), Toronto, Ontario, Canada, October 11, 2012
Toronto Life.com: “Introducing: Café Boulud, Daniel Boulud’s New Casual Fine-Dining Restaurant at the Four Seasons” (great shot of the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto floating stone staircase and landing from above, with Candle Ice Two by Shane Wilson), photo by Karolyne Ellacott, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, October 11, 2012
Eater.com: “Take a Look Inside Daniel Boulud’s Cafe Boulud Toronto” by Paula Forbes (Great shot of the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto floating stone staircase and landing area with Candle Ice Two by Shane Wilson), Toronto, Ontario, Canada, October 9, 2012
CBC TV Lang & O’Leary Exchange: Amanda Lang interviews Isadore Sharp, “Four Seasons Hotel – Built to Last” (camera pans towards Candle Ice Two by Shane Wilson pausing for close up twice during interview), Toronto, Ontario, Canada, October 5, 2012
Digital Journal.com: “Toronto’s Stylish New Four Seasons Hotel Opens Its Doors”, (Candle Ice Two by Shane Wilson features in a photo of the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto’s lounge, ‘d | bar’), photo by David Silverberg. Toronto, Ontario, Canada, October 5, 2012
TheStar.com: “Toronto’s Contemporary New Four Seasons Hotel Opens Doors”, (Candle Ice Two by Shane Wilson, image by Nick Kozak) Business Section, page 4, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, October 5, 2012
Global TV The Morning Show: Interview with Dimitrios Zarikos, Regional Vice President and General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel on the opening of the new Four Seasons Hotel Toronto (clip highlighting Candle Ice Two by Shane Wilson), Toronto, Ontario, Canada, October 5, 2012
CTV News: “New Four Seasons Hotel Opens” – Broadcast of ribbon cutting ceremony and tour of hotel (Candle Ice Two shot from above at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto used in intro segment behind news anchors), Toronto, Ontario, Canada, October 5, 2012
CTV Canada AM: “New Four Seasons Hotel Opens its Doors in Toronto” – Interview with Isadore Sharpe (Candle Ice Two shot from above at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto), Toronto, Ontario, Canada, October 5, 2012
Coverage of Four Seasons Toronto Grand Opening, The Star, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 2012
Toronto Star (paper), “Granite Glass and Glamour” Business Section, page 4 – Candle Ice Two by Shane Wilson, 2 images, photo by Nick Kozak – Toronto, Ontario, Canada, October 5, 2012
CHON FM: Peter Novak interviews Shane Wilson prior to the unveiling of sculpture donations of ‘Candle Ice’ and ‘Self Portrait’ to the Yukon Arts Centre and the ‘Gaia’ and the ‘Skullpture Series’ to the Haines Junction Permanent Collection, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, November 18, 2009
Yukon Seasons Heist and Recovery
L’Aurore boreale: “‘Saisons yukonnaises’ retrouvee, retapee et reinstallee”, page 4, by Marianne Théorêt-Poupart, Whitehorse, Yukon, le mercredi 10 decembre 2008
Whitehorse Daily Star: “Recovered Artwork Repaired, Is Returned To Games Centre” – Yukon Seasons front page pic; article and pic on page 2 – Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, December 3, 2008
CBC Radio One: Al Foster interviews Shane Wilson after the unveiling of Yukon Seasons, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, December 3, 2008
CKRW The Rush: Tanya Blakney captures some of the sounds of the unveiling of Yukon Seasons, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, December 2, 2008
Yukon Seasons unveiled following restoration by Valery Monahan, Whitehorse, Yukon Canada, Dec 2008
CBC Radio One: Al Foster interviews Valery Monahan on the progress of the restoration of Yukon Seasons, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, October 27, 2008
CHON FM: Alisha Rosenberger interviews Shane Wilson and Heather Leduc, Curator, Yukon Permanent Art Collection, on the condition and display of Yukon Seasons, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, July 3, 2008
CKRW – The Rush: News Item by Tanya Blakney on Yukon Seasons, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, July 3, 2008
Whitehorse Daily Star: “Stolen Sculpture Reunited with Artist for First Time” – Yukon Seasons – Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, July 4, 2008
CBC Radio One: Morning Show with Tara McCarthy – Interview with Valery Monahan on the restoration of Yukon Seasons, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, July 3, 2008
CBC Radio One: Morning News – Report by Susan Stanley: “Yukon Seasons Artist, Shane Wilson reunited with work” (View related article on CBC.ca-Arts and Entertainment) – Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, July 3, 2008
Valerie Monahan restores Yukon Seasons, YTG, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada 2008
CBC TV-Northbeat News: Feature by Al Foster – Yukon Seasons – Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, July 2, 2008
CBC Radio One: Noon Show with Cheryl Kawaja – Interview with Shane Wilson on the unveiling of donated Skullpture Series in Haines Junction and on being reunited with Yukon Seasons, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, July 2, 2008
L’Aurore boreale: “La panache au bercail”, page 2 – Yukon Seasons – Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, le vendredi 18 avril 2008
CBC Radio One: ‘As It Happens with Carol Off and Barbara Bud’ – Carol Off interviews Shane Wilson following the recovery of Yukon Seasons, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, April 11, 2008
Articles on the recovery of Yukon Seasons appeared in The Whitehorse Star, on April 10 , April 11 and April 14 , and in the Yukon News on April 11 . The Yukon Government issued an April 11 Press Release on the return of Yukon Seasons to the Yukon Permanent Art Collection, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 2008
CBC Radio One: Afternoon Show with Russ Knutson – Interview with Shane Wilson following the recovery of Yukon Seasons by Whitehorse RCMP, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, April 10, 2008
CBC Radio One: Afternoon News – Report by Dave Croft (View related article on CBC.ca-North and CBC.ca-Arts and Entertainment), Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 2008
CBC Radio One: Morning Show with Sandy Coleman – Feature Interview with Christopher A. Marinello Executive Director & General Counsel of The Art Loss Register, New York, USA: “Regarding the theft of Yukon Seasons and its registration on the Art Loss Register”, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, January 23, 2008
CBC Radio One: Morning Show with Sandy Coleman – Feature Interviews with Laurel Parry and Shane Wilson: “Follow up to Yukon Seasons Heist”, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, January 14, 2008
CBC Radio One: Morning News – Report by Susan Stanley: “Yukon Seasons Not Insured”, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, January 14, 2008
CBC Northbeat News: Yukon Seasons Theft – Feature by Al Foster, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, September 17, 2007
L’Aurore boreale: Yukon Seasons photo with text in French, page 7, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, le vendredi 21 septembre 2007
Yukon News: Editorial Cartoons by Wyatt, Heist and Recovery, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, September 19, 2007 and April 14, 2008
CBC Radio One and CBC Radio Two: National Hourly News – Top Story by Cheryl Kawaja, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada (View related article on CBC.ca-Arts or CBC.ca-Mobile, also picked up by Sympatico-MSN News and Nation Talk), September 18, 2007
Yukon Seasons Heist and Recovery – political cartoons by Wyatt, Yukon News, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, Sept 2007 and Mar 2008
“Yukon’s Own Thomas Crown Affair” aired on CBC Radio One, Sirius Satellite 137: ‘Q’ with Jian Ghomeshi; and CBC Radio One Whitehorse: Morning Show with Sandy Coleman, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, September 18, 2007
The Yukon News: “Thieves Boost Moose Sculpture from Games Centre” by Jeremy Warren, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, September 17, 2007
The Whitehorse Star: “Sculptor ‘Deeply Saddened’ by Theft” by Stephanie Waddell, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, September 17, 2007 (Article picked up by: Anchorage Daily News, Art News Canada (posted Sept 18, 2007))
CBC Radio One Whitehorse: Noon Show with Nancy Thompson – Feature Interview with Shane Wilson regarding Yukon Seasons Theft, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, September 17, 2007
CBC Radio One Whitehorse: Morning News – Top Story, Yukon Seasons Stolen from Canada Games Centre, September 17, 2007
Canada Winter Games – Northern Torches
CBC News – New Sport Hall of Fame to Honour N.W.T. Athletes (image of athletes Sharon Firth, Lucie Steele-Maison and John Taipana with 2007 Canada Winter Games Torches), Yellowknife, Northwest Territory, Canada, November 2012
Windspeaker: 2007 Canada Winter Games Whitehorse – Final Leg 2007 Canada Winter Games Torches Photo, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, April 2007
2007 Canada Winter Games Opening Ceremonies, Lighting of the Cauldron by the Three Northern Torches and the The Roly McLenahan Torch, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, Feb 2007
Visions North: 2007 Canada Winter Games Opening Ceremony Pic, Government of Canada – 2007 Canada Winter Games Torches – Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, Spring 2007
CKRW – “The Rush”: ‘Captain’ Keith Ellert interviews Lindsay Agar, Pam Boyde and Shane Wilson after the Pan Northern 2007 Canada Winter Games Torch Relay, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, March 2007
CTV Canada AM: Paul Hollingsworth interviews Pam Boyde with the Pan Northern 2007 Canada Winter Games Torches at the Canada Winter Games Centre, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, March 2007
Canada Winter Games Torch Relay – Gjoa Haven, Nunavut, Canada, Midday Feb 2007
CKRW – “The Rush”: George Maratos interviews Shane Wilson on location at the Cultural Festival during the 2007 Canada Winter Games to talk about the 2007 Canada Winter Games Torches on display, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, March 2007
CBC Radio One – Sounds Like Canada: David Gutnick visits Shane Wilson at his studio to talk about his work and the 2007 Canada Winter Games Torches, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, March 2007
Whitehorse Star: 2007 Canada Winter Games Opening Ceremony and 2007 Canada Winter Games Torches Relay (Ottawa, Alert, Deep Creek, Dawson City, Ibex Valley, Kwanlin Dun, Whitehorse – Final Leg) articles and photos, Yukon, Canada, 2006-2007
Yukon News: 2007 Canada Winter Games Opening Ceremony and 2007 Canada Winter Games – Yukon Torch Relay (Teslin, Dawson City, Kwanlin Dun) articles and photos, Yukon, Canada, 2006-2007
CBC Newsworld and CBC Sports Weekend: coverage of the 2007 Canada Winter Games Opening Ceremonies (Lighting of the Flame – 2007 Canada Winter Games Torches) from Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, February 2007
APTN: Coverage of the 2007 Canada Winter Games Opening Ceremonies (Lighting of the Flame – 2007 Canada Winter Games Torches) from Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, February 2007
Canada Winter Games Torch Relay – ‘Horny Pole’, Old Crow, Yukon, Canada, Sept 2006
CBC National News: Melissa Fung reports on the Pan Northern 2007 Canada Winter Games Torches Relay’s Final Leg and the beginning of the 2007 Canada Winter Games, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, February 23, 2007
TSN – Canadian Press Release – Torch Bearers with 2007 Canada Winter Games Torches, image, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, February 22, 2007
The Globe and Mail: ‘2007 Canada Winter Games – Whitehorse Anxiously Awaits Spotlight – 16 Day Extravaganza Gets Underway’, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, February 23, 2007
The Globe and Mail: ‘Northern Exposure for Canada Games – Whitehorse Expecting 2700 Athletes’, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, February 14, 2007
Canada Winter Games Newsletters: 2007 Canada Winter Games Torches Relay, Articles and Photos, Various Issues, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 2006-2007
The Northwest Territories News – North: 2007 Canada Winter Games – NWT Torch Relay, Articles and Images (Sachs Harbour), Yellowknife, Northwest Territory, Canada, 2006-2007
The Yellowknifer: 2007 Canada Winter Games Torches Relay Articles and Images (Yellowknife Airshow), Yellowknife, Northwest Territory, Canada, 2006
The Deh Cho Drum: 2007 Canada Winter Games – NWT Torch Relay Articles and Images (Fort Simpson, Wrigley, Trout Lake, Fort Liard), Yellowknife, Northwest Territory, Canada, 2006
The Inuvik Drum: 2007 Canada Winter Games – NWT Torch Relay Articles and Images (Inuvik), Yellowknife, Northwest Territory, Canada, 2006-2007
Nunavut News-North: 2007 Canada Winter Games – Nunavut Torch Relay Articles and Images (Grise Fiord, Arctic Bay), Iqaluit, Nunavut, 2006
Canada Winter Games Torch Relay – Victoria Falls, Nahanni River, NWT, Canada, June 2006
CTV BC: Feature on the VANOC visit to Whitehorse – 2007 Canada Winter Games – Yukon Torch – Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, February 2007
APTN TV: Feature on the VANOC visit to Whitehorse – 2007 Canada Winter Games – Yukon Torch – Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, February 2007
CBC North Radio: Brian Boyle reports on the 2007 Canada Winter Games – Yukon Torch – Relay in Carcross, Yukon, Canada, January 2007
CBC North Radio: Feature interview with Susan Stanley about the making of the 2007 Canada Winter Games Torches, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, October 2006
Airforce: The Magazine of Canada’s Air Force Heritage, “Bylot Island Claimed for Canada” (2007 Canada Winter Games – Nunavut Torch Relay – Operation Lancaster, pic on Bylot Island) Vol. 30, No. 4 – Winter 2006/2007, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 2006
CBC North Radio: Dave Croft speaks with Sandy Coleman about the 2007 Canada Winter Games – Yukon Torch Relay in Pelly Crossing, Yukon, October 2006
Up Here Magazine: “Canada Games Kick Off in Nation’s Northernmost Outpost”, 2007 Canada Winter Games Torches image, Yellowknife, Northwest Territory, Canada, August 2006
The Maple Leaf: “Catch The Spirit in Alert”, by Capt Joanna Labonté – 2007 Canada Winter Games Torches – Government of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, April 2006
Beginning of the 2007 Canada Winter Games Torch Relay, with the three Northern Torches, Alert NU, Canada, Mar 2006
Northbeat (CBC North TV): 2007 Canada Winter Games Torch Relay – Lighting of the three 2007 Canada Winter Games Torches, Alert, Nunavut, Canada, April 13, 2006
Yukon Arts Society News, (photo Tundra Swans and show notice for ‘Explore and Embrace a Special Wild Place’), Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, April/May 2005
CBC Radio Whitehorse, Arts Feature Interview, Faro, Yukon, Canada, 2004
Up Here Magazine: Northern Made Feature, by Mifi Purvis – Rest and Sing, Candle Ice, Duality, Clans and Claims – Dawson Broach, Surprised, European Robin – Yellowknife, Northwest Territory, Canada, September, 2002
EuroArt 2000
Yukon News: Arts and Entertainment, “Faro Sculptor Dazzles Europe” by Patricia Robertson – Rest and Sing – Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, January 29, 2001
Press Lorient Le Jour: article in Lebanese paper in French entitled, “Lena et Hilda Kelekian a Barcelone,” with reference to Euroart 2000 and the participation of ‘le Canadien Shan Wilson qui sculpte des bois d’elan.’ Beirut, Lebanon, January 2001
Catalan National TV Feature (Spain): Interview (in English with Spanish subtitles) regarding exhibit at Euroart 2000 – Celtic Confusion, Candle Ice, Duality – Barcelona, Spain, October 12, 2000
Barcelona TV News (Spain): Interview (in Spanish) regarding exhibit at Euroart 2000 – Celtic Confusion, Candle Ice, Duality – Barcelona, Spain, October 5, 2000
CBC Radio Whitehorse Afternoon Show interview with Lucy Van Oldenbarnavelt on Euroart 2000 show in Barcelona, Spain; Whitehorse, Yukon, October 2, 2000
Grand Slam: Vol. 23, Number 3 #115, Grand Slam Club Donation for FNAWS – Rest and Sing – Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.A., Fall 2000
Wild Sheep, Grand Slam Club Donation for FNAWS – Rest and Sing – Cody, Wyoming, U.S.A., Fall 2000
Yukon News: “Book Celebrates Learning,” article on Up From the Permafrost with picture of Literacy, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, October 18, 2000
Guide to the Goldfields 2000, “Shane Wilson: Award Winning Yukon Artist” Harper Street Publications – Candle Ice -Dawson City, Yukon, Canada, 2000
Millennium Tusk
Shane Wilson with his exciting new project, Millennium Tusk, mammoth tusk, 131″ along curve, Faro, Yukon, Canada, 1999
CBC TV News – Entertainment (Toronto): Feature on Millennium Tusk and Northern Encounters ’99, Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, July 13, 1999
CITY TV News: Feature on Northern Encounters’99 – Millennium Tusk, Celtic Confusion, Candle Ice – Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto, Canada, July 13, 1999
CBC Radio Whitehorse: Afternoon Show interview with Becky Streigler on Millennium Tusk and Northern Encounters ’99, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, July 13, 1999
Midday (CBC TV): Feature on Millennium Tusk, , also showed Celtic Confusion, Faro, Yukon and Kleinburg, Ontario, Canada, July 9, 1999
Bravo! TV: Feature on Northern Encounters’99 – Millennium Tusk, Celtic Confusion, Candle Ice – Toronto City Hall, Toronto, Canada, July 13, 1999
Northbeat (CBC TV): Feature on Millennium Tusk, also showed Celtic Confusion, Faro, Yukon, Canada, June 1999
Yukon News: Arts and Entertainment, “Sculptor tackles Millennium Tusk” by Erling Friis-Baastad (article winner of the 1998 British Columbia and Yukon Newspapers Association Award for best article in the “Arts and Cultural Writing” category), Scripts-Howard News Service, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, December 16, 1998
Reisefuhrer Alaska – Yukon, “Shane Wilson: Ein Ideenreicher Bildhauer,” Deutsche Ausgabe, Harper Street Publications – Rest and Sing -Dawson City, Yukon, Canada, 1999
Guide to the Goldfields 1999, “Shane Wilson: A Sculptor Rich in Ideas,” Harper Street Publications – Rest and Sing – Dawson City, Yukon, Canada, 1999
CBC Radio: Two Interviews, Great Northern Arts Festival – Celtic Confusion, Candle Ice (in progress) – Inuvik N.W.T., Canada, 1998
Awards and Grants
Advanced Artist Award, Yukon Territorial Government, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 2005
Enterprise Trade Fund, Yukon Territorial Government, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 2004
Trade and Investment Fund Grant, Yukon Territorial Government, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 1999 & 2000
Advanced Artist Award, Yukon Territorial Government, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 1999
Canada Council Travel Grant, Canada Council for the Arts, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 1999 & 2000
Teaching Experience
Student presentations during Antler Carving: The Celtic Knot and More, at Red Deer College – Series Summer: School for the Visual Arts, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, 2017
Antler Carving: The Celtic Knot and More, Red Deer College – Series Summer: School for the Visual Arts, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, 2017
Antler Carving: The Basics, Red Deer College – Series Summer: School for the Visual Arts, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, 2016
Creative Antler Carving: Carving School, Red Deer College – Series Summer: School for the Visual Arts, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, 2008
Artists in the School Program, Yukon Arts Center Gallery and Department of Education, Yukon Government, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 2004-2005
Introduction to Antler Carving: Red Deer College – Series: Summer School for the Visual Arts, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, 2004
Introduction to Antler Carving: Yukon College: Alice Frost Campus, Old Crow, Yukon, Canada, 2003
Professional Development
B.A., Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, 1983
Bronze Casting: Red Deer College, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, 2003
Silicon Molds: Red Deer College, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, 2003
Life Drawing: Yukon Arts Centre, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 2000
Stone Carving: Yukon Arts Branch, Faro, Yukon, Canada, 1999
Bronze Casting: Yukon Arts Branch, Faro, Yukon, Canada, 1999
Marble Carving: Yukon College, Faro, Yukon, Canada, 1997
The Business of Being an Artist: Northern Lights College, Atlin, B.C., Canada, 1996
Entrepreneur Orientation and Business Plan Development: Dana Naye Ventures, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 1996
Digital Image Manipulation: Yukon College, Faro, Yukon, Canada, 1996
Antler Carving: Yukon College, Faro, Yukon, Canada, 1996
Clay Sculpture: Yukon College, Faro, Yukon, Canada, 1994,1995, 2001
Drawing: Yukon College, Faro, Yukon, Canada, 1994
Ivory Carving: Inuvik Arts Festival, Inuvik, NWT, Canada, 1993
Mural Painting: Faro Arts Guild, Faro, Yukon, 1993 and Yukon Arts Society, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, 1991
Art Foundation Survey: Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, 1992
PROFESSIONAL COMMENTARY
Catherine Wilcox-Titus, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Art Worcester State University, Director, Mary Cosgrove Dolphin Gallery
Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Shane Wilson is unapologetic about his pursuit of beauty, an outstanding quality which he brings to his sculpture with both sincerity and passion. His imagery is inspired by the balance, line, and grace that he finds as given in materials like antlers, horn, and ivory, but he also uses what he learns from the natural world to cast his sculptures in bronze. Balancing opposites, the dualities that seem to govern so much of our world, are consistent and resonant themes.
In Borealis and Oreithyia, for instance, Wilson wrestles with artistic constraints defined by the outer perimeter of moose antler while paying careful attention to the limitations and possibilities of the bonelike material within. Inside this undulating outer line of antler, interior carving becomes a meditation on the subtleties of line and tension between surface and depth. Wilson responds on a more abstract level to dualities such as strength and delicacy, and open and closed form that are already present in the material itself. Curvilinear, intricate lines capture the dynamic movement of the northern winds, alluded to by the mythic spirits of Borealis and Oreithyia.
In other work such as Yukon Seasons, Wilson combines realistic imagery with abstract forms in one piece. Most of the carving here represents realistic representations of animals that populate the northern regions of Canada: moose, bears, and wolves. But the animals are set within abstract impressions of landscape, hills, and vegetation. The paired antlers that make up Yukon Seasons are connected with a skull. In the centre of the skull, Wilson carves passages of surprisingly intricate and abstract threadlike pattern. These passages look like Celtic animal interlace forms found in ancient manuscripts and jewelry.
Like many contemporary artists, Wilson insists on the freedom to make these connections across time and between cultures.
Shane Wilson’s art, however, has a larger purpose than art for art’s sake. While beauty may be paramount and is the hook that makes an immediate appeal to the viewer, Wilson has other goals that are immediate and, in fact, urgent.
This artist wants his art to be an instrument of change, an expression of his longing for a more positive and balanced relationship between humanity and the natural world–an articulation that the earth is a bounded system in which the carrying capacity of the planet must be respected, and that all creatures are necessary for the entire system to thrive.
His artistic goals of beauty, balance, integrity and respect for the material are concepts he sees as transferable and even necessary to the way we interact with the larger world. Just as he is certain we can find creative inspiration within the planetary boundaries in which we must live, he continues to find opportunities for creative expression within the constraints of the natural media he chooses to explore.
(His collection of antler, horn, bone and ivory is governed by rigorous ethical and sustainable practices.)
Robert Bateman, O.C., O.B.C., R.C.A., D.F.A., D. Litt., D. Sc., LL.D.
Artist/Naturalist
Saltspring Island, British Columbia, Canada
For tens of thousands of years the art of mankind functioned as decoration of objects – pots, paddles, canoes, weapons, dwellings and even human bodies. The work was varied and rich and highly skilled.
This art of Neolithic and contemporary tribal peoples, to me, ranks with any art of world history. Its inventiveness, rhythm and abstract design is as high in quality as early 20th century modernist art. Artists such as Picasso and Modigliani acknowledge a debt to this so-called primitive art, which is not primitive at all but highly sophisticated.
Wilson’s work is a powerful evocation of this heritage but he goes much further in innovation and creativity. Rather than decorating a utilitarian object he produces stand alone objects of art that always seem fresh and surprising. Fresh and surprising are words that seldom apply to the vast majority of art turned out these days.
David Wagner, Ph.D
Art Historian/ Curator, Exhibition Tour Director, Society of Animal Artists, Author – American Wildlife Art
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
Shane’s pure expressive design is what first hits me.
His experiential aesthetic makes sense when considered in the larger comparable context of contemporaries such as William Morris (b. 1957) who, although his work clearly embodies readable iconography, also embodies a personal, anthropological twentieth-century kind of style.
Mary Bradshaw, M.A.
Director, Yukon Arts Centre Gallery
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
Organic and non-organic forms and materials co-exist within master carver Shane Wilson’s powerful sculptures of horn, ivory, antler and bronze. They are abstracted, sleek and refined, yet his materials, such as mammoth ivory, might be up to 40 000 years old and their original shape is rough.
Formerly based in the Yukon for many years, residing in Whitehorse and Faro, Wilson’s work is held in the Yukon Government Permanent Art Collection, the Yukon Arts Centre Permanent Collection, the Haines Junction Permanent Art Collection and the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto Contemporary Art Collection amongst others.
Wilson’s signature duality is evident in the Yukon Art Centre’s Permanent Art Collection piece Candle Ice, a smooth moose antler carved into jagged triangular shapes that resemble daggers of ice like those found alongside a frozen river. The smooth precision of the carving is a transformation of the original antler, likely shed by a moose just after mating season. Many viewers wonder if the piece is made of one solid piece of antler, or if it was created with multiple pieces of antler adhered together. Impressively, Candle Ice was carved as one individual form with geometric shapes created out of the core naturally shaped antler.
In 2012, the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto commissioned Wilson to re-create Candle Ice for the lobby of their Hotel.
Randal M. Dutra, AMPAS
Painter and Sculptor, Academy Award Nominated Animator for Lost World: Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds
Castro Valley, California, U.S.A.
Add me to the list of admirers of Shane’s work. He is taking carving to a new and exciting level.
Although many of his designs are incredibly intricate, the strong simplicity/impact of the whole doesn’t get lost—artistically, that’s quite a tricky tightrope to walk and Shane does it with a cool mastery.
I look forward to more of his explorations.
Gillian Sze, Ph.D.
Poet and Co-Publisher of Branch Magazine
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Shane Wilson’s sculptures are enchanting – ‘enchanting’ in the sense that his creations not only carry magic,
but also catch the viewer wide-eyed and spellbound.
He has the intuitive eye of an artist and works with the intricacy of a storyteller.