Renowned artists Chaka Chikodzi and Barbara Maye graced Phantom Creek Estates, June 30 to September 4, as artists in residence. Phantom Creek is an architectural masterpiece punctuated by fabulous art installations. Through this initiative, visitors had the added pleasure of discovering mesmerizing stone sculptures throughout the property.
Viewers were encouraged to interact with the works to witness perspective shifts. Chaka’s captivating volcanic rock creations reflecting his Zimbabwean-Canadian heritage and profound connection to nature and Barbara’s intuitive soapstone carvings, known as Flipstones, offered a transformative experience.
We attended the hosted reception, August 17, at which the skies hued by wildfire smoke added yet another layer of mysticism to the exhibits. With the artists present, you had the opportunity to become immersed in the artistry, stories, and the arcane wisdom embedded within these remarkable sculptures as you sipped on wine and nibbled fancy nut mix. Offered in generous pours were Phantom Creek Estates’ Viognier, Rose, and Becker Vineyard Cuvee.
Managing Director François Mateo introduced the artists and talked how art and the artistry of wine making that reflects the unique terroir of the region intertwine. He noted from the beginning, Phantom Creek has embraced the long-term vision of building one of the leading family-owned wineries in Canada. “Cultivated in certified organic vineyards and made by influential international winemaking and winegrower teams Phantom Creek Estates’ wines celebrate and speak to where they are grown” — Amy Richards, Mark Beringer, and Olivier Humbrecht MW —
Displayed on the sculptures was a QR code you could scan learn more about them such as their title, price, and availability.
About the Artists
Chaka Chikodzi is a Zimbabwean-Canadian stone sculptor based in Kingston, Ontario, where he has lived with his family for 10 years. He works with volcanic rock from Zimbabwe where he began sculpting as a teenager. He has a studio in Kingston and one in Myurwi, Zimbabwe, where he works with a team of assistants.
He notes his work remains inspired by the beauty and simplicity of the natural rock formations unique to Zimbabwe’s landscape. “The stories of migration and our relationship to the landscapes that bear witness to our travels,” are also an inspiration.
“The stone itself tells about geological history and his relationship with it through the years living between two continents.”
Barbara Maye is a stone carver, multi-media artist and instructor living on the traditional land of the Sinixt, the Ktunaxa, the Secwepemc, and the Sylix (Revelstoke, BC). After achieving a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Distinction in 2007, Barbara attended a workshop with Chaka where she was introduced to the wonders of stone carving.
It ignited a passion to create with stone harvested directly from the land, which led her to Revelstoke where she has lived 11 years. She says, “Understanding the earth processes that form soapstone and discovering the locations of it surrounding her home has brought her emotional and spiritually closer to the land.”
She is exploring a vein of work she calls Flipstones that are smaller, interactive sculptures with multiple positions. Barbara engaged with guests at her Flipstones, inviting you to change the stone’s resting position and gain perspective shifts through the interplay.
Not surprising given each artist feels such reverence to the stone with which they are working, Chaka and Barbara plan to exchange some of their raw stone. This collaboration will allow each to experience new geological connections and interpret how that rock speaks to them.
Don’t delay heading to the exhibit which continues at Phantom Creek Estates until September 4.
Images (except as noted) Roslyne Buchanan.
