Donald A. Stuart – Homage

Jewellery

March 4 – April 3, 2016
Opening reception Friday March 4, 7-9:30pm

Donald A. Stuart invitationHomage is a collection of 38 framed neck-pieces created as a celebration of, and tribute to, Canadian women, past and present; from the first mother in 1007 to the outstanding women of today. The curator, Susan Benson RCA, sketched portraits of each of the women to accompany the pieces which, along with short biographies, add so much to the educational aspect of the exhibition.

Donald A. Stuart is one of Canada’s leading gold and silversmiths. His work is recognized internationally and he is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including membership in the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012). In recognition of his achievement as a craftsman and educator, Donald has also been made a recipient of the Order of Ontario and our nation’s highest honour, the Order of Canada. Of the Homage collection, Stuart observes:
“Necklaces are one of the oldest forms of human adornment and were worn by both men and women. However, from approximately the 19th century onward they were predominately worn by women to denote style, status and wealth. Necklaces are archetypal symbols of power and importance and are a fitting vehicle to represent [leading] women in Canadian history. The choices of materials for each necklace are as varied as the women themselves, each infused with meaning and significance.”

More information about Donald Stuart and the Homage series is available at his website here.

Hamilton Spectator review by Regina Haggo here.

Blog post about the Gallery and the show by Coleen Wafer (‘Lipstick and L’Attitude’here.

Elsie Picone Necklace by Donald Stuart, cast sterling silver twigs and glass apples
Necklace inspired by the late Elsie Picone, who ran Picone’s Food Market (now Picone Fine Food) in the heart of Dundas; cast sterling silver twigs and glass apples
Clasp detail of Elsie Picone Necklace by Donald Stuart showing the miniature pie and server shaped clasp
Detail view showing the miniature pie and server shaped clasp

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