Man versus machine
The journey of getting there, the creation and the connections is really what it’s all about.
by Sean Maddox
At any time, my art can take me to far off corners of the Atlantic provinces. Travelling from the tip of Meat Cove on Cape Breton Island in the north, down the coast of N.B., further down to the islands of Grand Manan, Deer Island, and lots of places in between, not to mention the many islands and coves along the waters of mainland N.S. that are close at hand and to heart.
I collect ghost gear, driftwood, construction waste, house waste (people throw away hardwood chairs all the time), ideas, stories, and much, much more. I make connections and friends along the way.
The goal is always a complete, old, weathered buoy, any shape or size, or any of its parts. A significant proportion of my art is made from old buoys. The thrill of creating people, places, and things out of gifts from the sea continues to be my greatest love in art—sculpting.
Trips can be planned. They rarely are. With tides, fishing seasons, distance, black flies, and suppliers, busy schedules, research is mostly done on the spot, talking to people in communities, learning from primary sources, then grabbing the phone to follow up and do more research and make more connections.
Over the last couple months, I have taken many trips. I walked over 100 kilometres last week. I was in and out of Toronto. The week prior, I drove up to Sheet Harbour, down to Lunenburg, and west to Truro to meet other artists and creatives, all while collecting art supplies: trash.
Despite new boots and the heat, Toronto was an incredible trip. Challenging at times too. I met many artists, friends, and family. I had the opportunity to attend an incredibly moving graduation, visit several galleries, restaurants, and bars, see so much public art, and watch a Blue Jays game. People with stories to capture all around.
My heart and mind were full. Sketch book exploding, my mind and legs constantly on the move: my friends and family a little concerned. They rarely see me on research trips – a solo activity normally or with my dogs, Lola and Fayth.
The other trips provided at least a trunk full, if not trunk and seats full of buoys, chairs, rope, wood, railway spikes, bent nails and other beautiful and unique finds. I only take what I will be able to use, leaving the rest for other creators.
In both cases, I learned so much. Whether pushing the pedal to reach sunset with the three Sisters of Mahone Bay or sitting among the last patrons of Toronto’s late night eatery, they were the same.
First: personal therapy
Second: the world in all its forms.
Third: the few minutes people were willing to give me and the stories they shared.
These trips, those supplies and all the people, places and things along the way are in preparation for a big folk art show on August 4th: The Nova Scotia Folk Art Festival. It was only a fantasy five years ago. Now a clock ticking. Thanks to my wheels.
Follow along.
Don’t forget: foot power or machine don’t matter. Nor does the destination. Just get out and share your stories with others. Make meaningful connections.
