Jim Maunder – Equilibrium

The Christina Parker Gallery is pleased to present Equilibrium, an exhibition of new sculptures by Jim Maunder. The series of eight circus-like steel sculptures metaphorically express the complexities of holding life in balance.  Whether on a unicycle, a tall tipping chair or a person’s shoulders, we teeter in boundaries between right and wrong, strength and tenderness, the stress of financial survival and the care of body and spirit.  The nude figures show vulnerability, each figure is on the verge of tipping and falling but through perseverance manage to hold on to their equilibrium. In spirit these sculptures are  hopeful pieces. The works are sculpted from hammered and welded steel utilizing a torch, hammer and anvil, a MIG welder and a grinder. They appear rough and slightly elongated, with a suggestive nod to Giacometti.

Equilibrium is inspired by a personal search for balance infused by a sense of awe and terror for circus performers – amazed by their feats yet afraid for their safety. These pieces hold their ambiguity in being both precarious and playful.

Jim Maunder grew up in St. John’s. He attended Memorial University of Newfoundland, Faculty of English in 1976, Sheridan College International Summer School of Animation, 1985, and graduated from the Ontario College of Art, Interdisciplinary Studies in drawing painting and sculpture in 1994.

His work is found in the City of St. John’s Municipal Collection, the Provincial Art Bank and in many private collections in Canada and the United States.  Some of his Public Sculpture Commissions include, a collaborative stainless steel work with Michael Massie dedicated to the Maritime Archaic Eskimo People at the Port au Choix National Historic Site, Celebration– a stainless steel public sculpture commemorating the St. John’s Memorial Stadium on the Loblaw’s site, Kings Bridge Road, the St. Patrick’s Hall School Memorial Wall, a bronze bas-relief located at corner of the former St. Patrick’s School Merrymeeting Road and Making Fish, located on the site of the new Convention Centre in St John’s.

Please join us for artist reception on Friday, June 17^th from 5:30 – 8:00, with music by Boyd Chubbs. Jim Maunder will be present.