12/11/2016
Fraser Radford had graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor degree (Honours) in Art History and minor in Religious Studies, apprenticed with Canadian sculptor Shayne Dark, and graduated from the Visual and Creative Arts program at St. Lawrence College. But he wanted to expand on his visual arts education and work on new pieces, which is why Fraser decided to take Independent Studio Practice (formally called Studio Process Advancement when Fraser attended) at the Haliburton School of Art + Design.
During the program, Fraser worked on multiple projects, including: a piece influenced by Japanese artist Shozo Shimamoto that involves filling old light bulbs with oil paint, turpentine, raw linseed oil and sand, and tossing them at a canvas; a series of fifty small scale paintings influenced by avant-garde filmmaker Stan Brakhage entitled ‘Film Stills,’ experimenting with photographic techniques, and creating twelve small mockups from tea and calligraphy inks for a potential series called ‘Stains.’ “And yes, I actually did sleep and eat regularly,” he added.
Fraser said the benefits of the program include one-on-one time with professors to discuss projects, getting suggestions and critiques, discussing work with classmates, and meeting with practicing artists, curators and gallerists. “I would recommend the program, but be prepared to create a lot of work in a short amount of time. It is intense, but worth it,” Fraser said.
He was also impressed with the beautiful Haliburton campus. “The building itself is very intimate, while the land around it is constantly begging to be explored,” he said. “If one is stressed out about a project, take the time to walk around outdoors in the sculpture garden and soak in the sun. Having the lake nearby is also a plus.”
Learn more about the Independent Studio Practice program: flemingcollege.ca/programs/independent-studio-practice
Photo (l-r): ‘Haliburton Crash Suite’ piece detail photo, Fraser at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice (June 2013), ‘Film Stills #50’, Fraser in the studio working on ‘Film Stills,’ mock-up for ‘Stains’ series; and Fraser with His Excellency Norihiro Okuda, Ambassador of Japan to Canada, and his wife, standing in front of Fraser’s 'Senbazuru' installation at the Embassy of Japan in Canada.
