Claire Wilks
Claire Wilks (1933-2017) - Biography
Gallery Gevik is honoured to present the visionary drawings, monoprints and sculptures of celebrated Canadian artist Claire Wilks (1933-2017). A painter, sculptor and designer, Wilks’ career began in 1967 at the famed Pollock Gallery, though she would go on to show in solo and group exhibitions throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe. For many years she was a visual researcher for the CBC, for which she received Emmy Awards in 1978 and 1980, the Art Director’s Cut Award in 1981. Her works can be found in many prominent private collections and have been the subject of numerous literary and academic publications.
Introduction by Gallery Director Phillip Gevik: I had the chance to meet Claire in 1997 when she came to my gallery to introduce herself and her art. I wasn’t familiar with her but her drawings were so striking I had to see more. She invited me to her studio which was chock full of her impressive works, unlike anything I had ever seen before. Her drawings in particular were so avant-garde I admit I wasn't able to fully grasp them at the time, although it was obvious she was exploring something very deep within herself. It wasn’t until this past spring that a prominent Toronto curator reached out after visiting Claire’s studio to tell me how taken she was with Claire's art and asked if I'd be interested in showing them. I was very curious to see them again to gauge my reaction, all these years later. Sadly, Claire passed away in 2017 but I had her beloved long-time partner Barry Callaghan as my guide. After spending much time listening to Barry speak about Claire, I feel I know her work much more intimately.
Artist Specialization: While it's clear that Claire is exploring the psychology of the female body, her Hillmother series is startling in the way it conveys the bond of mother and child. It's also fascinating how Claire’s other subjects are either deeply involved with one another, or perfectly content being on their own. The detail with which the artist brings them to life only amplifies their humanity.
