Artist talks provide insight into visiting BPSW sculptors

The Blackfoot Pathways Sculpture in the Wild artists-in-residence, Alison Stigora and Stuart Frost, gave presentations at the Lincoln Library on their work to a room full of community members and sculpture park enthusiasts last Wednesday, Sept. 18.

BPSW Artistic Director, Kevin O'Dwyer introduced each of the artists, who discussed their work, including their newest installation pieces for Sculpture in the Wild.

Using slide presentations, they spoke of their history, the inspiration behind each of their current pieces and for previous work, and of things they have learned along their journeys in art.

Speaking first, Frost extended his appreciation for the invitation to create a piece at the park, and added it's something he never takes for granted. He said it's been an amazing experience so far.

Frost spoke of his thirty-plus years of sculpture work, both in galleries and with outdoor park installations. During his presentation he explained how he's learned a lot from working in different areas and with the materials from those areas to create unique pieces. Some of the materials he's created pieces with include rope, ice, reeds, feathers, wood and smoke. He noted that each material has its strengths and limitations. He said he likes finding materials that have a specific use, and then creating something by using them in a different way.

Stigora spoke of her love for burnt wood and the process, and the road it has taken in her work.

She gave a "shout out" to all the helpers and those who have stopped by the park, and said she looks forward to meeting more people during her work here.

Stigora hails from rural Pennsylvania and is now based in Seattle, where she has a studio and teaches.

She shared her first experience with charred wood from a campfire site during a hike. She said she was fascinated with the texture and scales of the wood, which she refers to as scarification. Without access to wildfires in Pennsylvania, she had to learn to burn and char the wood herself, which in the beginning was difficult, due to a fear of fire.

Stigora has also worked with materials such as plastic and cardboard, but always comes back to charred wood. Although she has a barn full of charred wood, she wanted the audience to know that Montana has the best burnt wood she's worked with.

Please make sure to stop out and visit the park and see their installations in progress. The official grand opening and launch of their pieces is set for Saturday, Sept. 28 at 2 p.m.