Meet the artists
Melanie Rudy – Artist Statement / Bio
As a textile artist, I am inspired by the vibrant hues of indigo and denim—colors that are rich in history and symbolism. In the form of quilts, my primary focus is on upcycling: transforming discarded materials into fresh and captivating works of art. Each piece I create tells a story, blending the old with the new and inviting viewers to appreciate the beauty of rebirth. Join me on this journey of creativity and sustainability, where every stitch sparks a conversation about our relationship with the environment and the treasures we can discover when we look closely.
I live on a hobby farm southwest of Calgary, where my husband and I raise Black Welsh Mountain Sheep for their fleece, which we process into various wool products.
With a background in Fashion and Textiles, I am now finding my place as an artist after a career in Canadian business.
ARTIST STATEMENT, ROSEMARIE STADNYK
Nature and garden are a private place of peace, contentment, meditation and relaxation.
During the pandemic, being confined to closed places, I found contentment in my little Saskatchewan garden. I contemplated the poppy flower which grew abundantly in its small space. They moved, swayed, radiated with joy and splashed color throughout the garden.
During this time, I started painting poppies, and have continued with the theme of garden, nature or landscape in my acrylic studies. The paintings feature mixed media using molding paste, stencils, acrylic paint or collage.
I have recently completed a study of the Indigo dye process. The history, cultural influences and patterns of the Indigo natural dye are fascinating. For this show, I have included several Indigo pieces in the form of a wall hanging, shawls, and other items.
BIOGRAPHY
After obtaining a BED and BA degree, I was a high school art teacher and consultant to a First Nations program.
After retiring, I worked as a professional ceramic and pottery artist until I re-discovered painting. My work is slightly reminiscent of pottery as I like to use textural elements such as molding pastes and collage in some of my paintings.
I work with fifteen artists at the ARC Creative Studios in North Battleford. I am a member of the Art Club and the Chapel Gallery in North Battleford.