Preliminary drawings by Michael Massie for “Reflecting on the Past.” Not for sale with this work.
Preliminary drawings by Michael Massie for “Reflecting on the Past.” Not for sale with this work.
Preliminary drawings by Michael Massie for “Reflecting on the Past.” Not for sale with this work.
Preliminary drawings by Michael Massie for “Reflecting on the Past.” Not for sale with this work.
Preliminary drawings by Michael Massie for “Reflecting on the Past.” Not for sale with this work.
MICHAEL MASSIE, C.M., R.C.A. (1962-) KIPPENS, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
titled, dated, and signed, 'reflecting on the past" / 1:00 AM No. 15/05 / Massie."
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This sculpture, depicting the traditional scene of heating tea over the flame of a kudlik was inspired by artist Michael Massie’s nostalgia. It recalls happy times with his family and friends in Labrador, where they camped on the land while they fished or picked berries. It is a brilliant combination of realism combined with Massie’s own personal style.
The kudlik, or seal oil lamp, provided the heat for warming up tea or food or even drying clothes in traditional times. It was the centre focus of the tent or igloo, usually placed within a frame from which a tea or cooking pot could be suspended. In this very personal interpretation, the frame of the tent combines lashed lengths of antler held together, whimsically, by two fish. The floor of the imagined tent is a mirror, on which rests a silver bowl representing the kudlik. Finally, outside the tent the artist has arranged four model kakivaks, the traditional fishing tool for use in weirs. While he has never used one, these indicate his respect for earlier generations.
In this intricate yet beautiful sculpture, Massie has created an ode to his own past and to the traditions of his ancestors.
In conversation with Pat Feheley, Michael Massie shared several preliminary drawings, which are illustrated here but are not for sale with this work.