Welcome to Raconteur -Voices in Stone

Biography

What began as a fascination with the macrobiotic or “Nature’s art” has progressed into an insatiable desire to find hidden form in most everything, living or inanimate.

Though principally a self-taught artist, Mark has studied both sculpture and painting through the Edmonton Art Gallery and the University of Alberta’s Fine Arts Department along with various other studio workshops. His passion for sculpture is rooted in his love of organic forms, blending the natural with the surreal. Inspired by many creative mediums, he draws his themes from a wide range of influences. As a singer/songwriter, Mark infuses a lyrical quality into his sculptures; imagining moments in time when these works have movement, thoughts and purpose. His sculptures are often echoed by songs, poems or stories of the same name or similar theme.

Earlier pursuits in painting progressed to the three dimensional and tactile qualities of sculpture. While always exploring other mediums, he works predominately in stone - sourcing a wide range of materials from all parts of the world, making each piece genuinely unique.

With numerous gallery showings to his credit, Mark’s work has been well received by critics and collectors alike. His sculptures have found homes across Canada and the U.S. as well as in Britain, France and Japan. As a member of the National Capital Network of Sculptures, Mark continues to be active in the Ottawa arts scene.

Artists Statement

A subconscious expression is how I best describe my work. Ideas come from deep within as fragments of memories or dreams; while others find flight through an emotional response to literature, music or simply the strange behavior of people. I think this is what intrigues me most about sculpting and why I find it so engaging.

Each stone plays a role in the interpretation of these ideas. An organic interaction, the stone’s raw form often exudes qualities and characteristics which beg to be explored. Like a personality, it is sometimes obvious, at other times hidden – to be discovered and expressed during the creative exchange.

While I usually begin the process with preconceived notions or sketches, my ideas need to be in harmony with the principle characteristics of the stone. This connection is essential and occasionally leads to a new creative direction. Through shared exploration the stone reveals itself and the story it wants to tell.

Contact Information

For more information about Mark Vidalin’s work, or to arrange a purchase or his commission, please contact the studio:

  mark@vidalin.ca

  613.297.2346