Sherway Gardens' Gallery in the Garden: Joie de Vivre featuring Sculptures by Sharon Labbett February 5, 2013

Sherway Gardens’ current Gallery in the Garden exhibit entitled Joie de Vivre features compelling sculptures carved in stone by Toronto artist Sharon Labbett. The exhibit is on display until March 9 in the corridor at door 3. For more information call 416-621-1070 or visit www.sherwaygardens.ca.

Born in Toronto, Sharon Labbett has been working and teaching in the Mississauga/Oakville area since 1992. Sharon is a graduate of McMaster University and Sheridan College, where she taught fundamental drawing in the Fine Arts program for 10 years. Sharon currently teaches at the Koffler Centre in Toronto and also several private classes in Oakville.

For many years Sharon worked exclusively with live models to draw, paint and sculpt them nude. She finds the uninhibited human gesture to be a continually fascinating reflection of our shared human experiences. Sculpture, in particular stone sculpture with its luster and tactile surface, is very compelling and Sharon’s work expresses and communicates these primal truths to reveal the vulnerability and strength of the human spirit.

“When sculpting in stone, I try to approach each new stone with respect for what the earth has already created,” states Sharon. “I look and listen closely and a new journey begins when I see the form that is already there within the stone. I always find the human form which is at once exhilarating and reassuring. It makes sense; our organic forms resonate with the organic forms of the earth. Each stone that reveals the human form reaffirms this simple notion. When first turning the rough stone for “Joie de Vivre” I instantly saw the twist of hip and extended foot that characterizes this happy dancer. An added bonus to the piece is the transparency of the Italian Alabaster, light bounces off and through this stone to suggest a fleeting moment in joy and movement.”

Sharon has worked with some of Canada’s most talented and renowned artists including: Peter Kolisnyk, Marilyn Leonard, John Leonard, Reinhard Reitzenstein, Otis Tamasauskas, Doug Stevens and George Pratt. More of Sharon’s work can be seen at sharonlabbett.com.

About Sherway Gardens’ Gallery in the Garden:

Sherway Gardens’ Gallery in the Garden was established to showcase local artists. The Gallery in the Garden operates all year round and each exhibit is on display for approximately 6 weeks. The Gallery in the Garden is located at Sherway Gardens’ door 3 entrance.

Official Website: http://www.sherwaygardens.ca