Featured Artist: K Maclean

Based in Halifax, with a practice spanning over three decades, K Maclean’s work primarily involves the use of found and repurposed objects. In the past five years his practice has expanded to include ceramics and watercolor. “I often approach my found-object sculptures in a non-linear way, allowing the objects themselves to dictate the creation process. One of my most notable series, Zeeboaten, are interpretations of naval vessels made from oceanwood, repurposed wire, clock parts, hardware, and piano components. These pieces are loosely inspired by the folly of military history.”

Through the incorporation of such found materials—whether it's a piece of driftwood or a gear from a cuckoo clock—stories emerge organically, either through his own research or through the personal interpretations of viewers, who bring their own experiences and curiosity to the work.

“My father was born in Cape Breton so grew up with tales of maritime folly and since moving to Halifax in 2018 have been further captivated by tales of shipwrecks and dockyards. Often working with reclaimed materials one has to work backwards using the materials on hand to create instead of envisioning and creating. The Zeeboaten series has evolved in both materials used and experiences along the way with research into warship design.

Since Halifax has always had such a strong naval influence, every time I exhibit the work I am treated to a story of someone viewing the work and their own memories of family who had served on vessels. I have always been fascinated by submarines and their design and had the opportunity to visit German Uboat 995 in Kiel Germany in 2023.”

“I strongly feel objects have memory and show up to inspire the present world. The parts that I use in the sculptures are from a collection I have gathered spanning 30 years. From dusty garages and dead man's yard sales, to items found on the street or given to objects found on the beach. I especially love finding the oceanwood used for the hulls as there is such a rich patina of history created by tumbling in the ocean for months or years even.”

“I refer often to ‘The Encyclopedia of Ships’ that lists the entire history of warship and sub design along with all the trials and errors of such spectacular inventions. The subs of the 1800s in particular have fantastic stories of what the crew had to endure. The stories often cause me to reflect upon what lengths we go to as a species to find ways to kill each other… there is no glory in this.”

Installed in the Feature Window from July 26 – August 31, visit the Queen Street Shop to see the installed feature, or shop online here!