Preview: Darrell Oike

Spring Arts Preview

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DARRELL OIKE

REASSEMBLING THE SACRED: an exhibition of clay spheres and mandalas

“Matter is engaged in a constant cycle of transformation. This series is about reconciling with the destructive forces of the universe. It is about fixing something that is broken. It is about the planet earth.”

Darrell Oike’s pit-fired, cracked, sewn and bound mandalas and sculptures reflect both his travels and his current home, Haida Gwaii (the Queen Charlotte Islands). Inspired by Hindu and Buddhist sacred geometry and patterns, Oike sees his art as a vision of healing for the earth and her inhabitants.

Although starting out in the science program at UBC Oike soon switched to the arts and after receiving his diploma he set off on several journeys around the globe. He studied sitar with Pundit Shivnath Mishra in Varanasi and music and spirituality have become primary inspirations in his artistic vision.

In the mid 90s, while living in Nelson, BC, Oike became interested in clay, sculpture and firing techniques. After creating a series of sculptural vessels that were eventually shown in his first solo show he moved to Haida Gwaii where he was awed and inspired by the wildness and remoteness of the archipelago. Since then he has called the Islands home although he has left many time to travel and live in other parts of the world. He has created series of paintings in Kwatna Bay (Bella Coola, BC), Port Edward, BC, Ymir, BC, Vancouver, BC, San Diego, California, as well as Haida Gwaii. He has had five solo exhibitions and has participated in several group exhibitions.

In 2001 Oike returned to sculpture and began a series of works that focus on the repairing of broken spheres. Most of the works are in clay but there are pieces in stone and glass as well as a giant fibreglass ball that was commissioned by the Hands And Feet Performing Arts Company in 2002. The “sphere series” is ongoing and has been expanded to include clay mandalas.

Opening Reception with Artist in Attendance
Saturday May 2, 2009 from 4 to 6pm
Exhibition runs from April 28 to June 20, 2009
Numen Gallery 1058 Mainland Street, Yaletown
604.630.6927, www.numengallery.com
Gallery hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 11 to 6, or by appointment