Ascension - Living in the Moment

In 1982 I emigrated to Toronto, Canada from Sutton Coldfield, England, and to celebrate my 30th Anniversary living in Canada, I am planning a retrospective exhibition of my crystal art for later in the year in Toronto. (exhibition details to follow)

Over the coming months I will be showcasing some of the varied art pieces I have created during that time, including silver and gold objet d'art and crystal art pieces. So much of my career was initially inspired from my early training with Ronald Pennell at the Birmingham Art and Design Institute in Birmingham, England. Ronald considered by many as one of Britain's finest designer artists, helped me see beauty with an artists eye and would like to think that over the past 30 years that I responded to his guidance through the work I have created. Thank you Ronald.

The sculpture on view is entitled "Ascension" the fourth sculpture in a series of five surrealistic pieces focused on issues relating to change and new beginnings. Subconsciously these five sculptures I created all included hand engraved images of staircases, windows, ladders, roads, pathways and doorways in some form or another, and it was only later when this was pointed out to me by a client that I realized each of these elements represented a form or mode of transition from one place to another.

When we are young we never think of being old, when we are parents we are often too busy or capable of living in the moment, and when we are old and may have attained some degree of wisdom it can all be too late.

The five artworks from this surrealistic series of "dreamscapes" were a cathartic journey for me at the time in understanding my past and looking towards the future. I had forgot how influential they were to me at the time, (I made them 20 years ago) but they remind me that kindness, generosity of spirit and trying to live in the moment are the greatest gifts we can give ourselves in life.

The Beauty of the Hummingbirds - Hand engraved works by Mark Raynes Roberts

Crystal Vases "In Flight" (top left) "Northern Dancer" (top right)
Crystal sculpture detail from "Nectar" (bottom image)

I have always been fascinated by the sheer beauty of hummingbirds and the incredible display and dance they put on when caught in flight. I saw my first Ruby-throated hummingbird on an island in Temagami, Northern Ontario in 1985, and remember vividly being surprised by the buzz of wings and the dexterity when feeding.

Over the years I have been commissioned many times to create art pieces for clients who appreciate this amazing little bird, and can understand why the hummingbird resonates with so many people who love cottage life by the lake. The hummingbird has always been a favorite theme of mine for the simple reason it can be hand engraved actual size which makes the sculpture, bowl or vase truly come alive.

Interestingly Ruby-throated hummingbirds are not dissimilar to the British Robin when it comes to being territorial, typically only coming into contact for the purpose of mating, and both males and females of any age aggressively defending feeding locations within their territory. The aggressiveness becomes most pronounced in late summer to early fall as they fatten up for migration. This is important because, as part of their migration, they must fly across the Gulf of Mexico - a feat which long confounded scientists, as a 500-mile, non-stop flight over water would seemingly require a caloric energy that far exceeds an adult hummingbird's body weight of 3 grams.

However, researchers discovered the tiny birds can nearly double their body mass in preparation for their Gulf crossing. The additional mass, stored as fat, provides enough energy for the birds to achieve this amazing flight. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is approximately 7–9 cm long with an 8–11 cm wingspan, and weighs about 3 g. Adults are metallic green above and greyish white below, with near-black wings. Their bill is long, straight and very slender. The male is smaller than the female, and has a slightly shorter beak.

The breeding habitat is throughout most of eastern North America and the Canadian prairies, in deciduous and pine forests and forest edges, orchards, and gardens. The female builds a nest in a protected location in a shrub or a tree, and is a migratory bird, spending most of the winter in southern Mexico, Central America as far south as South America, and the West Indies. It breeds throughout the eastern United States, east of the 100th meridian, and in Canada in eastern and mixed deciduous forest. They feed frequently while active during the day and when temperatures drop, particularly on cold nights and conserve energy by entering a hypothermic torpor.

Truly a wonder of nature.

Commission your own hand engraved and signed hummingbird art piece by the artist.
Crystal Vases from $1,500
Crystal Sculpture from $5,000
www.markraynesroberts.com

ARCTIC THAW - makes you think doesn't it?

"Arctic Thaw" was a crystal sculpture I created a number of years ago to convey the increasing loss of the frozen ice cap and the Polar Bears natural habitat. Sea-ice coverage across the Arctic Ocean has dwindled to its second-lowest level since satellite records started in 1979, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center. The measurements for mid-September have yet to be collated but, according to scientists, the long-term trend points to an ice-free North Pole in summer within a decade. As Stuart McDill reports from the Arctic, the impact on the region's animal life will be devastating.

Here is a link which further outlines the issue of what will happen if we continue to ignore the importance of saving our environment. "Arctic Thaw" makes you think doesn't it? http://www.reuters.com/video/2011/09/14/arctic-sea-ice-melting-faster-than-predi?videoId=221529050

His Excellency The Right Honorable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada receives inaugural Pollution Probe Environmental and Sustainable Development Award 2011

The new Pollution Probe Environmental and Sustainable Development Award will be presented to His Excellency The Right

Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, at the "Catalysts of Innovation" gala ceremony at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, in Toronto on November 23, 2011.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btqJO61PW8U

Pollution Probe has commissioned the artist to create this new award, which will convey the vision and leadership qualities of the annual recipients, and the values of Pollution Probe as a leading Canadian environmental not‐for‐profit group dedicated to achieving positive, tangible environmental change through its research, education and advocacy programs. Pollution Probe has an active program focused on automobile fuel efficiency, freight movement, Public transit, electric vehicles and consumer behaviour.

The two-piece crystal sculpture entitled "Clarity of Vision" represents three cornerstone values of Pollution Probe, as a foundation of knowledge with an inclusive environment for cooperation and the focus to find innovative sustainable solutions.

“Mark has created a beautiful, iconic award that captures exactly what Pollution Probe is about. We are delighted that it will always be an integral part of the Pollution Probe Gala” commented Christopher Hilkene, Chair, 2011 Pollution Probe “Catalysts of Innovation” Gala.

“What impresses me is that Mark really understood our vision for the award and exceeded our expectations in reflecting that vision and our values in the crystal sculpture” said Bob Oliver, President and CEO and President, Pollution Probe.

The crystal sculpture sits upon a black custom base made from Aquatimber - 100 year old reclaimed timber from the bottom of Georgian Bay, and as the sculpture rotates engraved lines multiply creating their own alchemy within the crystal representative of the many environmental issues we face on the planet. The lines appear to touch the edge of the large polished dimple symbolic of the earth. As the sculpture rotates further the lines dissipate completely revealing an untouched smaller polished dimple symbolic of the clarity of vision required in successfully realizing the most sustainable "green" solution.

"It is an honor for me to create this new award for Pollution Probe, an organization which continually delivers sustainable solutions to environmental issues across Canada. I have tremendous respect for the work they do and wanted to create an award which truly conveyed their message. This two-piece sculpture allowed me to communicate this story by using the refractive properties of the optical crystal in an innovative way" commented Raynes Roberts.

Mark Raynes Roberts is also the creator of the Scotiabank EcoLiving Awards and is currently developing the GLASSLANDS Collection a proposed outdoor art collection focused on sustainability education.

To learn more about Pollution Probe please visit:http://www.pollutionprobe.org/

Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Nonfiction - "Books of Inspiration"

It was a magical evening for Peterborough author Charles Foran, who received the inaugural Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize on October 25, 2011 from the Honourable Hilary M. Weston, in front of a star studded literary audience at Koerner Hall located in the Telus Centre for Performance and Learning in Toronto. The event was hosted by Albert Schultz, the founding artistic director of Soulpepper Theatre Company, and included a special performance by the musician Michael Kaeshammer. Now Canada's richest prize for non-fiction, the author received the $60,000 and the newly created

crystal award by Mark Raynes Roberts entitled "Books of Inspiration". The design captures the journey of the writer’s quest for knowledge, aspiration for truth and its resultant success. The sculpture combines three crystal books, two lying flat on a slight angle, creating the steps of truth and knowledge with the third book standing representing the success from endeavour.

"This beautiful new award reflects the lot of the author - theirs is a journey requiring much reflection and going back before moving forward. The simplicity of this new award design is testament to the thought and hard work that goes into the work of all artists" commented Mrs. Weston.

Mordecai: The Life and Times, was described by the judges as "an epic work of scholarship and energy, capturing the wit and sincerity of Canada's most famous literary contrarian." The biography was also an "authentic portrait" of Richler, according to the jury composed of writers Brian Brett, Devyani Saltzman and Russell Wangersky.

"I am honoured to have this unique opportunity to recognize writers whose work I deeply admire for its quality, range, and eloquence," said Mrs. Weston. "Our nonfiction writers are held in great esteem around the world, and through this prize we are committed to further enhancing their status and their well-deserved reputation."

Charles Foran is the author of 10 books, both fiction and non-fiction, and his biography on Richler has also been nominated for the Governor General's Literary Award for English language non-fiction, with the winner being announced Nov. 15 and Gov. Gen. David Johnston will present the awards Nov. 24 at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.

http://www.writerstrust.com/News/News-%281%29/Press-Release-Archive/Press-Releases/Weston-Prize-Sculpture.aspx

Angels of Love - anges de l'amour

One of four sculptures being exhibited at the CHASE Art Exhibition and Sale at the Royal College of Art in London England. "Angels of Love" is a two-piece hand engraved sculpture which refracts creating an alchemy of angels. The glass engraving techniques combine deep diamond wheel engraving with diamond point stippling, a technique dating back to the 16th century.

Angels of Love (anges de l'amour) by Mark Raynes Roberts
For more information please visit: http://www.chasecare.org.uk/

Touched by An Angel

"We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.

Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.
Yet if we are bold,
love strikes away the chains of fear
from our souls.

We are weaned from our timidity
In the flush of love's light
we dare be brave
And suddenly we see
that love costs all we are
and will ever be.
Yet it is only love
which sets us free."

Maya Angelou

CHASE Art Exhibition & Sale - Royal College of Art, London, England

I am very honored to be one of the 15 invited artists taking part in this year's CHASE art exhibition at the Royal College of Art in London, England on Thursday November 10th, 2011.

Here is one of the four crystal sculptures I have created especially for the event entitled "See The Forest For The Trees", which is hand engraved and diamond point stippled and depicts the Sussex Downs countryside in Autumn.

The CHASE Art Exhibition is a highlight on the London art scene calendar showcasing and selling the work of many of Britain's top glass artist's including my teacher and mentor Ronald Pennell, Katherine Coleman, Gillies Jones, Colin Reid and Sally Fawkes.

Now in its 12th year, the event raises in one evening, close to £100,000 for the CHASE children's hospice in Guildford, who do tremendous work in supporting children who are not expected to reach their 19th birthday. It is entirely privately funded and receives no government support, so I am delighted to support such a worthwhile cause.

For more information please visit: http://www.chasecare.org.uk/