Art Articles & Reviews

The Bill Epp Show spans thirty years from the mid 1960's to 1995. This exhibition is neither a retrospective, nor a definitive look at the art of Bill Epp. It is a visual survey of selected public sculptures (via this catalogue) alongside actual life-sized and smaller bronzes. Epp's contribution to the development of artists and culture was remarkable. He was a crucial pioneer in the sculpture movement in Saskatchewan. All those who studied with him or experienced his work have been profoundly influenced. Our curatorial method was to enhance this legacy by exhibiting a collection of his works, keeping in mind that his primary focus was enabling people to find their way in life. Les Potter and James Korpan As Professor of Sculpture at the University of Saskatchewan, Epp encouraged his students to approach their work with passion, respect, dignity, and professionalism. His own passion for art was infectious - perhaps this was his greatest gift to his students - well beyond the constant sharing of his technical expertise. For Epp, artists were essential to the development of a healthy community, so he opened his studio, his home and his heart to his students and his colleagues. He hosted many gatherings for philosophical discussions and provided access to his studio as well as to his dining room table. Epp was also very close to and embraced First Nations culture and spirituality. Les Potter and James Korpan Maquette for Northwest Mounted Police The Arche - concrete Influences on his art started at the farm in Glenbush, where Epp was raised, surrounded by nature and animals. The horse would become a favourite study of his, along with other domestic and wild animals. Early in his exploration of art, Epp was like a bee, buzzing from flower to flower. He had an insatiable thirst for different nectars - from the Greek, Egyptian and Roman classics to Rodin, Brancussi, Leonardo, Degas, Moore, Hepworth-countless others both contemporary and historical. He deeply respected primitive art, and would take sabbaticals to West Africa and India in order to learn "how to do it simply". Epp was also strongly affected by the art of his colleagues and students. His first sculptures were carvings; he also did many paintings and drawings. Welded steel followed in the 1960's, a reaction to contemporary movements at the time, including the work of David Smith. Welded steel allowed him to explore volume, more so than carving, although he did return to carving time and time again. His "coming of age" occurred with the building of a bronze foundry with fellow sculptor Brian Newman. He was enthused about the history of foundries and foundry techniques and explored them whenever and wherever he could. Actually Epp was more of a modeller than a carver. The combination of working in clay or plasticine and then transforming it into bronze was ideal for him. It allowed him to splice the plastic qualities of the clay with his creativity and imagination. His knowledge of the human form and his comprehension of gesture and skeletal components enabled him to execute his most powerful and intrinsic forms in bronze, the life sized nudes. For Epp, bronze was also the best choice for the public commissions that he became engrossed in. He felt strongly that artists involved in public sculpture should, "give the people what they want". And he did. And, these pieces, conceived for a different viewing audience than his other work, created an atmosphere in which other sculptors could work in and succeed. Red Echo The majority of Epp's work is unknown to most people. He was extremely prolific and inventive. It is in his smaller, more intimate works where his genius resides. His final explorations in this genre, the works he made in the last two years of his life, combine uniqueness, humour and sophistication. We are fortunate to be able to include some of them in The Bill Epp Show. This exhibition recognizes Epp's role as teacher, mentor and advocate for the arts. His recent Lifetime Achievement Award, presented posthumously by the Saskatchewan Arts Board, also acknowledges his influence. ------------------------------------------ Copyright © 2006 Les Potter and James Korpan Photography by Grant Kernan ------------------------------------------ A few words from the family... On behalf of Bill's family, we would like to express our excitement at the realization of this touring exhibition of his artwork. It has been exhilarating for us to look back at Bill's lifelong love affair with the arts. We are reminded of the depth and breadth of his exploration with different mediums and styles of work, as well as the profound influence this creative voyage has had on us and others. Bill's life was devoted to teaching and sharing his love of creative expression, through sculpture in particular. For us, Bill made dreams come true and we believe he did this for many people. He was a gentle leader and supportive friend who made each individual he met feel a connection to art. With his non-critical, hands-on approach he nurtured his students, turning their ideas into concrete reality. Today we celebrate and reflect upon Bill's accomplishments as an artist. Only a fraction of his work is exhibited here, some for the first time. Beginning in childhood and continuing until the very eve of his death, Bill pursued his creative dreams. It is our hope that you will come away from this show with a greater awareness of Bill's unique contribution to art and in so doing honour his memory. In this way he lives on through us. The family would like to sincerely thank the curators of the exhibition Leslie Potter and James Korpan, as well as the Prairie Sculptors' Association for their vision and hard work in making this exhibition a reality. 5 Alter Pieces Cameco's Foreword Cameco Corporation is pleased to present The Bill Epp Show, a unique perspective of the man, his work and his inspiration. A gifted artist and natural teacher, Bill Epp was a pioneer of the sculpture movement in Saskatchewan, and his legacy continues to influence the work of many of his contemporaries, students and emerging artists. He has been recognized for his commitment to our community, creating opportunities for artists to interact, work together and exchange ideas-critical ingredients for growth and innovation. In 1991, one of Bill Epp's most ambitious works was installed in the reception area of Cameco's corporate office in Saskatoon. Discovery-Mining and Nature in Harmony, honoring Saskatchewan miners and prospectors, continues to be awe-inspiring for employees and visitors alike and serves as a reminder of the very foundation of Cameco's success. Cameco's key measures of success are a safe, healthy and rewarding workplace, a clean environment, supportive communities and solid financial performance. To us, generating energy goes beyond uranium fuel and clean electricity. It's about doing our part to support the volunteers and organizations that keep our communities strong. Cameco is very proud to support The Bill Epp Show - a showcase of the works of one of Saskatchewan's true community builders. Prairie Sculptors' Association Forward The Prairie Sculptors' Association is moved by the thoughtfulness and generosity of Cameco. The added assistance provided by the Saskatchewan Craft Council to make this tribute to Bill Epp possible is greatly appreciated. Bill has left our community and province a great legacy. Impressions of Bill are indelible. Our mentor's kind and understanding look made you feel safe to ask any question. His thoughtful and precise answer let you know he understood where you were coming from. Bill's ability to create trust and confidence made him accessible to discuss sculptural or personal concerns. If you had an idea that you wanted to try, Bill would do everything possible to help you, even at his own expense. He had a way of giving open ended assignments that led you where you needed to go as an individual sculptor: respect the nature of your medium, become one with it, test its limits, integrate ideas and surfaces, make the negative space work, inject life and energy, strive to always improve, and never forget your family and friends.