REDflection, an exhibit by Sudbury custom rug design artist Andy Blanchette, is open to the public at Artists on Elgin for the month of June.
Red is the colour of life and it is the colour of death. It is the colour of creation, from the formation of our planet to the life giving blood of our mothers. It is the colour of the warmth from the sun or the warmth from the heart. When the colour red flows through us we are in the moment and when it ceases to flow we begin our spiritual journey that has no end.
Blanchette became intrigued with the concept of functional floor art and custom rug design during his 30 years working in the flooring industry.
Early in his career, Blanchette completed a rug design course in Minnesota and began creating specialty rugs.
Practicing for over 20 years, Blanchette has become a master of his craft, winning the North American Rug Design competition in 2004 and 2006. His custom rugs can be found all across North America, and worldwide, as far as Ireland and Japan.
While his designs are influenced by his love of Canada and his experiences living in the North, Blanchette is open to creating designs that resonate with his customers and fit in their homes. Blanchette’s decorative rugs combine bold colours, strong visuals, and iconic imagery, with functionality.
An opening reception takes place from 1-4 p.m. June 11, with an artist talk and Q&A session taking place at 2 p.m. Artists on Elgin is located at 168 Elgin Street, and is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
