The saying “Art for Art’s Sake” supports that there is art made simply for the pure joy and expression of the artist. That art doesn’t have to be judged on political or social values, but for its aesthetic and feelings it provokes to the viewer. Art can just be art with no hidden agenda.
There are artists in Bruce County who created art for the pleasure and joy it brought to their lives. With no intentions of exhibiting or selling their work, these artists produced artworks for their families to enjoy and to beautify their homes. These pieces of artwork showcase the simplicity of expressionism and creativity.
Textile artist Ruth Sandli Arnsberger was born in Norway and studied at the Norwegian Art Academy where she spent three years at the Gird Smith Weaving School. She also studied watercolour at the Vienna Art Academy through a UNESCO scholarship and at the Banff School of Fine Art. She came to Ontario in the mid 1950’s and settled in the Wiarton area with her husband.
Ruth was known for her weaving and tapestries but was also the designer of the Bruce Trail Cairn in 1967. She was an instructor and a founding member of the Pottawatomi Spinners and Weavers Guild. She helped restore rugs by Emily Carr for the Tom Thomson Art Gallery.
Some of her tapestries in the museum’s collection reflect some of her artistic style. Her talent can be seen in the intricate details and various types of patterns.
Charlotte Loscombe created this painting in 1895 at the age of 56. What makes it unique is the painting was created on a metal plate. Her skills can be seen in the small-scale landscape in the centre where the details are very intricate. Charlotte lived in Kincardine and was named a “pioneer of the town”. Her husband Francis Alexander (Frank) was a sheriff and bailiff.
Whether used as a wall hanging or perhaps a cushion cover, the tapestry created by Hester Totten Pollock shows how artistic expression could be showcased in an everyday object. Hester was born in 1842 and was a schoolteacher before marrying Edward Pollock in Kincardine. To create this textile art, Hester sheared the sheep, spun, washed and carded the wool, dyed the wool, and designed the pattern. She made this tapestry to give to her neighbours Mr. and Mrs. Alex and Minnie Patterson of Huron Township. The process in which she made this tapestry shows her dedication and creativity.
Artistic expression can be found in a variety of mediums. These are just a few examples of many artists in Bruce County who simply created art for themselves and families. To learn more about other artists in Bruce County, visit our online collection.
Sources:
Information from previous exhibit “Reflections of Home” at the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, 2013-2014.
Loscombe, Charlotte. “Untitled” [painting]. 1895. A967.002.001, Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre.
The Art Story: https://www.theartstory.org/definition/art-for-art/
