Shane
Junop
Artist Statement
Shane Junop, a promising stone artist from Saskatoon, SK, is making his mark in the art world. His artistic journey takes him through the vast prairie landscapes of Saskatchewan, where he discovers the hidden beauty and intricate details within the natural stones. Fascinated by the geology of this captivating medium, he finds a reflection of the surrounding landscape in the unique prairie fieldstone that he collects.
The process of carving each stone is not just a task for Shane; it is a profound experience filled with inspiration and meaning. He aims to establish a profound connection between himself and the local stone, fostering a meaningful dialogue. It all begins on the prairie, where he discovers a stone that resonates beyond its mere surface appearance. This powerful encounter often leads to an impromptu rough sketch on the stone, marking the beginning of a transformative journey that will eventually result in a remarkable piece of artwork in his studio in Saskatoon.
Shane's approach to stone carving is unconventional; he directly carves into the stone, relying on his intuition to guide his hand. His carving technique manifest as bold, definite lines and graceful curves, gradually evolving into figurative and abstract carvings. Through this process, he seeks to capture the essence and soul of each stone, allowing its unique qualities to emerge.
In his artistic pursuit, Shane Junop embraces the natural world, immersing himself in the primal landscapes of the prairies. He intuitively draws out the artistic potential hidden within each stone, creating a harmonious union of human expression and the natural environment.
Education
2022 Sculpture in Clay, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK
2021 Saskatchewan Craft Council's Grant Development Course, Saskatoon, SK
2018 Classical Stone Carving, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK
2015 Oil Painting Fundamentals, Calgary, AB
Grants
2021 Nuit Blanche YXE Festival Grant, Saskatoon, SK
2021 Sask Arts Micro Grant, Saskatoon, SK
Group Exhibitions
2024 Art Now - 9th Edition Saskatchewan Fine Art Fair, Prairieland Park, Saskatoon, SK
2024 Prairie Sculptors Association Group Show, Warman Arts Centre, Warman, SK
2023 Art Now - 8th Edition Saskatchewan Fine Art Fair, International Trade Center, Regina, SK
2023 Prairie Sculptors Association Group Show, U of S Innovation Place, Saskatoon, SK
2022 Art Now - 7th Edition Saskatchewan Fine Art Fair, Prairieland Park, Saskatoon, SK
2022 40 Years of Prairie Sculpture, Prairie Sculptors Association Group Show, U of S Innovation Place, Saskatoon, SK
2022 Earth Elements, Kerrobert Courtroom Gallery Duo Show, Kerrobert, SK
2022 Winter Festival Art Show, Mann Art Gallery, Prince Albert, SK
2021 UnMasked - Contemporary Sculpture, Prairie Sculptors Association Group Show, U of S Innovation Place, Saskatoon, SK
2021 Art Now - Saskatchewan Fine Art Fair, Saskatchewan Craft Council, Saskatoon, SK
2021 Nuit Blanche Festival YXE (duo show) Saskatoon, SK
2021 Prairie Sculptors Association Group Show, Frances Morrison Library, Saskatoon, SK
2021 Prairie Sculptors Association Summer Show, Back Door Gallery, Saskatoon, SK
2020 Art Now - Saskatchewan Fine Art Fair, Saskatchewan Craft Council, Saskatoon, SK
2019 Community Arts and Artisans Showcase, St. Thomas More Gallery, Saskatoon, SK
2019 WinterGreen Fine Craft Fair, Conexus Arts Center, Regina, SK
2019 Completely Twisted - Contemporary Sculpture, Prairie Sculptors Association Group Show, U of S Innovation Place, Saskatoon, SK
2018 Reflections of Nature, Prairieland Park, Saskatoon, SK
2018 Manitou Studio Tour, Darrell Baschak Gallery Manitou, SK
Bibliography
CTV Morning Live Janella Hamilton Art Now 2020, Nov 17, 2020, Saskatoon, SK
Art Now online Session 3 – Focus: Art in Isolation, Sept 20, 2020, Saskatoon, SK
Memberships
Saskatchewan Craft Council, Juried Member
Prairie Sculptors Association, Juried Member
Collections
Private collections in Saskatoon, Vancouver and Toronto