Tristan McElheron

I grew up in Montréal into an artistic milieu. My father and mother worked in graphic and clothes design, and two of my uncles are well-established Canadian painters. I studied Studio Art at Concordia University in Montréal. Moving to Vancouver in 1993, I began a career as a caterer, and later, as a recreation therapist with older adults. Twenty years later in 2013, I returned to Montréal to be closer to family and friends. In March 2016, I moved into a shared studio space to resume my artwork, and eventually, exhibit my pieces.

I’m a builder of sculptures who’s been influenced by Louis de Niverville, Alexander Calder, Fernand Léger, René Magritte, and Don Martin of MAD Magazine. My sculptural work usually involves people and animals in odd or compromised everyday situations. I like to create brightly-coloured whimsical pieces that present the humour and irony of the follies and foibles of the human condition. My work is slightly voyeuristic, offering glimpses or snapshots of ordinary people and their pets amidst their heroic befuddlement.

I start with wire hangers that have been driven through a plywood base. I bend and bind the wires, then cover them with construction paper to provide a solid armature for many layers of plaster bandage. Made of pre-shrunk cotton gauze fabric infused with Plaster of Paris, the bandage is a non-toxic medium and, once soaked in warm water, becomes very malleable and capable of producing fine detail. Once dry, I apply a generous coat of gesso to prime the sculpture before painting it with acrylic paint. Lastly, I apply acrylic gloss varnish for a durable finish.

A certain giddiness comes over me when I’m building a piece and anticipating the final result. My artwork is solidly-built, shatter-resistant, and can easily be repaired if damaged. I hope you have as much fun viewing my artwork as I did making it.

Thank you,

Tristan McElheron