Gallery closed, but Aggie Beynon still makes her mark in art world
FLASHBACK: It was just a year ago, May 2012, that we last featured Aggie Beynon. At the time, Beynon was facing a huge turning point in her career.
She had just closed Harbinger Gallery in Waterloo, which she and business partner Winifred Shantz had operated for about a quarter of a century at the corner of Regina and Dupont streets. Shantz died in February 2012.
TODAY: It’s probably no surprise that Beynon, a jewelry maker and businesswoman, has lots on the go.
Grand editor Kathy Storring caught up with her for an email interview:
Question: It’s been more than a year since you closed the door to Harbinger Gallery. When you drive past the building, do you feel nostalgia or a sense of freedom?
Answer: Funny, I still feel like it’s part mine. I guess that will take a while.
I have a warm feeling for the place and was thrilled that it sold to a music business, Folkway Music.
They have done an absolutely beautiful job refurbishing the interior.
Question: With your life no longer ruled by the gallery’s business hours, was it hard to establish a daily routine — or is it wonderful to have a routine? And how does each day unfold?
Answer: I must admit not much has changed in terms of a daily routine. I still get up at the same time, practise my relatively new love: cello, then head to my home office or my studio to work.
I generally finish in time to make a late dinner for my husband and myself.
Some days we are fortunate to visit our beautiful grandkids for dinner — these are the early nights.
Question: Has this new life given you a jolt of creative energy or are you filling your time with other ventures?
Answer: I definitely have a jolt of creative energy both for my new job as teacher and studio jeweller as well as for curating three exhibitions.
The exhibitions are in conjunction with the (international) Society of North American Goldsmiths conference and the Toronto International Jewellery Festival happening in May in Toronto.
There are two exhibitions opening at the Pearson International Airport: one a blacksmithing show, Architectural Ironwork, featuring two talented Canadian Blacksmiths — Jake James of B.C. and our very own Kitchener artist, Sandra Dunn.
The second show at Pearson International Airport features 16 exceptional artists representing the diversity of metalsmithing across Canada. The work is inspired by the geography of Canada, the times in which we live, and the mosaic that is Canadian heritage. (Both shows run until Sept. 14.)
Unsheathed, an exhibition at the Ontario Craft Council is inspired by knife-making.
Knives have a rich history within ancient to contemporary culture: war to wall to kitchen.
The artists in this exhibition are major Canadian artists who have taken the theme and created a wide range of work making statements from politics to women’s issues. It will be unlike any traditional knife show you have seen. (May 9 to June 16, Ontario Crafts Council, 990 Queen St. W., Toronto.)
Question: I understand you were also among the regional artists featured in a six-week exhibition at Macdonald Stewart Art Centre at the University of Guelph last fall. Were you showing new work or did you already have a selection of jewelry ready to go?
Answer: The work that’s in the Macdonald Stewart art gallery is part of their permanent collection. They have two of my early perfume bottles.
Question: What else have you been up to? For example, in our story last May you mentioned an interest in more community involvement, perhaps in theatre and music. Have you had time to pursue that? Answer: I must admit, I have had little time to pursue other interests at the moment. I would seriously like to take a month off to contemplate. Question: So, what’s next?
Answer: That is a good question. I have been very blessed in my involvement with so many wonderful artists, clients and, of course, tremendously supportive family and friends. I want to pursue my teaching, jewellery making and maybe some curating.
I would also like time to get back to more research on my powdered metal (one of my signature processes in my jewelry). I need that month in my garden to think about the shape of my future. In the meantime it’s spring....