The Royal Canadian Mint is commemorating a Canadian art legend and has turned to the Ottawa Valley for inspiration.
Renfrew’s Katheryn Spooner Bossy is one of four artists profiled by the Mint this month as they celebrate the 100th anniversary of Jean Paul Riopelle.
Bossy tells myFM that having her mosaic art used as an example of the influence of Riopelle’s more than fifty-year career is a big honour.
She adds that Riopelle, who died in 2002, was deeply connected to the Canadian art scene during his lifetime, using his involvement and mentorship to change the landscape for up-and-coming talent.
Bossy’s involvement in the Royal Canadian Mint’s commemoration efforts came from a call to artists that kept her guessing whose work was being recognized, but she was pleasantly surprised to get the opportunity to offer praise to a distinctly Canadian body of work she often reflects on when creating her own pieces.
As part of the 100th anniversary, the Royal Canadian Mint has put a new toonie into circulation that features Riopelle’s famous fresco, L’Hommage à Rosa Luxemburg.
(written by Kasey Egan)
Tree of Life, Kathryn Spooner Bossy for Bonnechere Manor, Renfrew.