9 March – 25 May 2026
GVPL Bruce Hutchison
Saanich Commonwealth Place, 4636 Elk Lake Drive, Victoria
MWFS 10am-6pm / TTh 10am-7pm
Animal, Vegetable Mineral
My work has always been about observing and questioning around issues such as harmony, balance, imbalance. This specific work references our connection to animals, growth cycles in nature (vegetable), and our connection to technology (mineral). Visually, the work (as in most artwork) revolves around line, space, shape, colour, form, texture, etc. The sculptures have been assembled using salvaged materials (a childhood habit of mine). It’s a reminder of what a teacher of mine once said …. “everything is related”. I am also remined of a quote from Albert Einstein … “imagination is greater than knowledge”. The Japanese philosophy and esthetic of Wabi-sabi (finding beauty in imperfection, transience, and simplicity) has influenced me greatly in making these sculptures. It is also interesting to note that NASA scientists and Harvard professors must show that they have a play profile.
– Will Gordon
About the Artist:
Will Gordon’s art development has, over the years, been subject to many influences. Key to that development was an early childhood love of drawing, and exposure to nature and open spaces as he grew up in rural Scotland.
Later, his education in Wales and England provided the path to a lifelong career in art and education. He says his high school art teacher was an important influence at a time when confidence and direction were most needed. An art college education included art history, particularly twentieth century art history, and highlighted movements such as Cubism, Surrealism, and Dada. Influence from individual artists such as Duchamp, Kandinsky, Mondrian, Brancusi, and later Beuys and Rauschenberg provided more specific development.
After receiving a masters degree at Birmingham College of Art, Will taught ceramics in that city before emigrating to Alberta in 1975. While there, Will taught at the University of Calgary for three years before relocating to Vancouver Island. Since arriving on the island Will has continued to show his varied work, taught privately, and worked as a graphic artist and illustrator for various BC government agencies. For many years Will was an education coach for a mental health agency in Victoria.
Since arriving in Canada, other major influences on Will’s work have come from his extensive exploration of the expanses of Western Canada. Also, his study of Japanese and Indigenous cultures have been a major influence. For example, the installation and performance art references Ma (Japanese art of space) and Butoh (a form of dance theatre). These cultures and philosophies continue to be elements in all his work, painting, drawing, and sculpture. Will’s work is in public and private collections in Canada, USA, UK, and Japan.
