Monday Inspiration: Florence Wyle

Florence Wyle, On The Land, 1914-18 (source)

Florence Wyle, Noon Hour, 1918-19 (source)

Frances Wyle (1881-1968) was one one of Canada's finest sculptors, she studied Anatomy in Chicago and that brings a strong sense of reality and correctness to her figures. You can see their bodies outlined through their clothes- and sense the tilt of the pelvis, the bend of the knee, the curve of the calf.  She was an exceptional sculptor in her time- and the first female sculptor to be accepted to the Royal Canadian Academy of sculpture. She also worked closely with her partner Frances Loring.

I find it really interesting how in this period of Canadian history there are several accomplished female sculptors- Wyle, and Loring, and Elizabeth Wyn Wood- it seems sort of odd- but I think that artists tend to get ideas from each other and bounce off of each other's successes. It's such a solitary pursuit- but also when you find a contemporary that you get on with- your work snowballs off the other person's and (hopefully) theirs does off yours. It's a unique thing- but each person is better for that communion.

Monday Inspiration 2014 is all about re-discovering Canadian Artists. After completing a bachelor of fine art from a Canadian University you would think that you'd be well versed in Canadian art- but actually -not so much. Ask me about renaissance, or abstract expressionism, and I'm well versed, but beyond the Group of Seven or Emily Carr I'm a bit lost when it comes to my own countrymen- (let alone country women!). If you can think of someone I should look up leave me a note in the comments, I'd love to hear from you!