Canadian studio glass is still underestimated. A few galleries defend it throughout Canada such as Elena Lee Gallery in Montreal. Unfortunately, the gallery which was located on Sherbrooke street for over forty years has shut its doors on December 10, 2017. Welmo would like to acknowledge the fierce way Elena Lee defended our work throughout the years. Elena, thank you for all those years of devotion. We are extremely grateful.
To celebrate Canadian art glass, documentarist Danièle Bellemare Lee made a film on the subject with Elena Lee as a central character. The amazing images of our Northern country in juxtaposition with the fiery craft of glass blowing admirably render the strength of this community which often share the nature and its magnitude as a subject. Click on the image below to view the film’s trailer.
Sur les traces du verre d’art Canadien.
Un film de Danièle Bellemare Lee
Exploring Canadian Studio Glass
Art glass is often associated with Murano glass or stained glass.In Canada, starting in the mid seventies, the art of Glass making begins an evolution towards contemporary art. Many Canadian artists are inspired by winter landscapes and develop a strong bond with nature. Daniel Crichton, a master of classic glass art is one of the pioneers of this evolution while Francois Houdé has given the movement a whole new direction. However this art-form would not be what it is today, without the artists, the glass schools and the great contribution of Elena Lee, who has systematically encouraged the next generations to go beyond the beaten path. A strong and passionate woman, she has devoted her life to the artists and “Galerie Elena Lee” which now Exists since more than 40 years in Montreal. The gallerist introduces us to the history of Canadian art glass and to the techniques used by Canadian and international glass artists. Patrick Primeau and Annie Cantin welcome us into glass studios to discover their artistic process.
Danièle Bellemare Lee, thank you. You took the time necessary to get a glimpse at the contour of Canadian studio glass. What a nice day we spent with you in our studio.
