I think that the times in the studio when everything is flowing and music playing, is probably what is referred to as being "in a state of grace".Ìý -ÌýÌýÌý
Mary Catherine Newcomb was born and raised in Montreal until moving with her family to Ontario in her teens. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto and then worked briefly in the publishing industry before joining the young Fine Arts program at the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ. She received her BA from À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ in 1979 and went on to get her MFA from York University in 1991.
She taught art at various Southern Ontario schools, cultural institutions and universities, returning toÌýthe University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Fine Arts program as a Sessional InstructorÌýin the mid-2000s. She was also very active in the local art community and organizations, including CAFKA, À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Regional Arts Council, and Shad Valley. She was one of the original members of the Redhead collective and a member of Nethermind.Ìý
And she was an accomplished professional sculptor, exhibiting her work worldwide. Her figurative work included both humans and animals, exploring notions of nature, magic, myth, science, and time while incorporating diverse media, including living plants, preserved vegetal material and agricultural elements. Many people in the area will remember Souvenir, the fifteen-foot giant hare, made of turf grown over compost and topsoil that was created for CAFKA 2011 at the Cambridge Sculpture Garden.
Known for her warm and honest heart, intelligence, bold creativity, fierce determination, and clever wit, Mary Catherine was truly an exceptional person. She faced life’s triumphs and challenges with remarkable bravery, wisdom, and a profound zest for life. Her legacy lives on in the countless people she inspired and the beauty and charm she brought into the world. She will be dearly missed.Ìý
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre, Feed Nova Scotia, or Indspire. Donations and condolences for the family may be made on Ìýon the Erb & Good Funeral Home website.