Gord Blackmore
Media: Furniture
Gordon’s drive to be creative was imprinted as a Saskatchewan farm boy. He was encouraged to pretend and invent, scrounge for materials and use the adult tools provided they were returned. The farmyard and surrounding pastures provided an environment to explore and develop an awareness of the natural world. Gordon knew the ability was within one’s self, mistake-making was part of the process, and that not giving a good effort was not acceptable.
The farm boy’s carpentry skills advanced to furniture making and design. Brian Gladwell and the Neil Balkwell Art Centre, Regina, played a critical role in Gordon becoming an accomplished furniture-maker. Gordon can occasionally be found teaching a woodworking class at Neil Balkwell. Interest in lighting grew into a decade of prototyping floor and table LED lamp designs. The desire for a repeatable commercial piece is a continuing effort.
A friend gave Gord a set of paints and gear, and the fun ensued. During Canada’s 150th anniversary, Gordon marked the event by painting 150 Canadian Skies. This year-long effort honed his painting skills and piqued his interest in becoming a better artist. 150 Canadian Skies culminated in a one-man show. Gordon lives in Regina, SK, with his patient wife, Tee. Their sons reside in Vancouver and Toronto, providing good reasons to travel Canada. Gordon is pursuing a BFA at the University of Regina, and keeps busy with beekeeping, printmaking, repurposing old neckties into bowties, inventing, fixing what needs repair and making what does not exist.
http://GWBlackmoreArt.com
