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Dan Cruickshank 

June 6, 2022 - June 10, 2022

During his week of being a youth Artist in Residence at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, Dan will be working on a larger sculpture - a barn owl sitting atop a piece of large farm equipment. The piece will represent the harmonious relationship between animals and farmers. The sculpture will include various transmission and engine parts, farm equipment, hand tools, steel rods, etc. All materials will be cut, grinded and welded from scratch at the gallery for the public to view. All his tools will be safely in use. Public viewing must take place from a distance as metal sparks and dangerous fumes will be created when cutting, welding, and grinding.

Dan will connect with the audience that finds his work striking. Answering inquiries every chance he gets and discussing his thought process on each piece and how it came about. Every piece of scrap steel he incorporates into his sculpture has its own unique story. This opportunity will be great for him to network and gain a larger audience for his work. Dan will bring a handful of his sculptures in, each with different shapes and designs. Some will be for sale to the public as well.

Artist bio

Dan Cruickshank is a young, Indigenous steel artist from Beaver Dam, New Brunswick. He spends most of his free time out in the wilderness, whether it be tearing up the trail on his dirt bike or calling out to wood ducks with a 12 gauge by his side. He plans to follow his welding passion by studying Welding and Metal fabrication at NBCC after high school to further his knowledge in the trade. He takes his love for the outdoors and his passion for welding and combines them, creating detailed sculptures with his fabrication tools. Dan enjoys every minute he spends in his shop creating or planning his next project.

Artist statement  

I have been creating steel sculptures since I was fourteen years old. In my work I utilize old car parts, tools and steel bits and pieces that are considered scrap metal. Being mechanically and artistically minded, I have always seen car parts and old farm equipment as being more than just a piece of steel. I see them as being a part of an animal's facial structure, or the perfect shape to recreate a bird's wing. I observe animal silhouettes and lines from nature and recreate them in my work. Being a hunter, fisher and well-rounded redneck, a great majority of my time is spent in the wilderness. I begin with creating the basic structure of the sculpture, then layering and adding different elements of metal to give the piece depth and various texture. Affixing scraps of metal to the sculpture and maintaining their position can be difficult as they bend and shrink when the weld cools. I love watching the piece develop as I add various aspects to it.

Hours:

Tuesday 1-5pm

Wednesday 1-5pm

Thursday 1-9pm

Friday 1-5pm

Saturday 1-5pm

Sunday 1-5pm

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