| ARTIST BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH: | With an exhibition history dating back to 1980, Trudy Golley is one of Alberta’s leading ceramic artists. Her interests range from the abstract to the totemic and extends to more recognizable forms like the teapot or ewer. She often works sculpturally, either creating wall-mounted pieces or freestanding installations, with a preference for glazed, hand-built stoneware or slip-cast porcelain. In all instances, Golley brings a strong sculptural sensibility to her artwork that, more recently, has focused on multi-fired ceramic objects that capitalise on their interaction with light. For the artist, light represents energy and is symbolic of the inner spirit. Travel has enriched her practice, with seven residencies in China since 2005. In particular, Golley’s interpretation of the Chinese cloud spiral motif is often featured; luminous with gold lustre or silver-coloured titanium Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD).
Golley studied at Alberta College of Art (now Alberta College of Art + Design, ACAD) and completed her undergraduate training at University of Calgary (BFA, 1988). Subsequently, she earned a graduate degree at the University of Tasmania, Australia (MFA, 1991). The artist has taught at University of Tasmania, ACAD, University of Calgary, University of Manitoba, Australian National University, Kootenay School of Art, and since 2000, in the Visual Art Department at Red Deer College (AB) where she heads the Ceramics area. In 2002, Golley was inducted into the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. In 2015, she was the recipient of a Fine and Performing Arts Award (Mayor’s Recognition Awards) from the City of Red Deer, AB, and in 2016, was nominated for the Governor General’s Awards in Visual and Media Arts – Saidye Bronfman Award. With artworks in public collections in Canada, Australia, Denmark and China, Golley has maintained an active profile as an exhibitor and presenter in Canada, United States, Europe, Australia, Japan and China. |