~ By Kate Sutherland of Cedar Creek Writers
Before actually reaching Colleen Freeman's studio, one cannot
help noticing the Tree Faces, strangely reminiscent of Tolkien's
Ents that line her property, and then, the studio itself ...
Colleen's studio defies description: From floor to ceiling she
has covered the walls with photographs of her "creative clay",
but look closely and you will find the original sculptures that she
has created. One shelf is devoted to smoking dragons which are
curiously emblematic, yet have appeal as fairytale creatures. This
theme is behind much of her work, such as the enormous smiling
frog, his head surmounted by a jewelled coronet. (Who doesn't
know the tale of the Frog Prince?)
Colleen's technique – "building hollow" - the medium in which
she sculpted the frog, was learned from Linda Richter.
It is surprising that such a prolific artist as Colleen has had no formal training in the art of sculpture.
Although prior to Linda she did receive some training from Peggy Walton-Packard. In her twenty years of
creating unique pieces, she has acquired skills that will carry her into the future. A future that is rosy and fruitful
where she can continue to work creating unique pieces, and answerable to no man but her own Free Spirit.
Work in progress includes, Tree Porches, which are an integral part of her maxim. FUN; indeed, it is the
sense of fun that permeates many of her sculptures and is so evident in her well-known Ladies in Red Hats.
The theme "Garden Fun" is carried throughout her repertoire and her finely honed sense of humour is there in
much of her work.
She acknowledges that her work has been influenced by Arthur Rackham, world acclaimed illustrator
of children’s classics and also by fantasy artist, James Christensen.
Colleen was born in Haney, BC, but has spent most of her adult life in Victoria and in the southern part of
the Island. She took to Sculpture in her early thirties because three dimensional arts were most suitable to her free spirit and
whimsical themes.
Her work has been exhibited at many locations on the Island from Nanaimo to Sydney. Recently, her reputation reached a high
note when she was asked to show her work at the Garden Gallery at Butchart Gardens. Currently, her sculptures are also to be
seen at The Finer Things in Shawnigan Lake and, of course, at her own studio, situated in her home.
In order to see Colleen's works for yourselves, she may be found at the Mill Bay Garden Show on June 9th. Her studio is open
"by chance or appointment" and she may be reached at her website www.creativeclay.ca.
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