Inspired by the droplet shape of chandelier crystals, Cloudburst takes the form of a cumulonimbus – a storm cloud – in a moment of spectacular downpour.
It began years ago as a chandelier crystal collection initiated by long time Ottawa Trans Library supporter and generous patron of local queer artists, Bill Staubi. Drawn to the rainbow-making properties of the crystals and their natural place in high camp aesthetics, Bill built himself a formidable crystal collection. He knew that one day, they would be used to some spectacular end!
His premonition came to fruition this summer at Camp Crystal, held at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre. Designed for trans folk and those who love them, a series of a dozen stained glass and ceramics workshops enabled over forty participants to create a collaborative sculptural installation that coalesces around Bill Staubi’s crystals. A small group of emerging artists led the participants while simultaneously conceptualizing a way to bring the works together.
Inspired by the droplet shape of the crystals, the cumulative art installation takes the form of a cumulonimbus – a storm cloud – in a moment of spectacular downpour.
Rooted in the Ottawa Trans Library and Carleton University Art Gallery’s commitment to collective making, Camp Crystal offered a space to gather, share skills and celebrate our resplendent creativity.
Artist Participants: Ariel, JayJay, Rory Hunt, Jenny Dickson, Jess, Madiha, Mae Ajayi, Sabiha, Jade, Todd Hall, Kat Houle, Alysha Walker, Mackenzie-Breeze Bone, Ellie, Minna, brie, Alicia, Seb De Angelis, Grace, Gabi, han, Mira, Axl Xu, Kit, Ciaran, Gerty, Cecil Aguila, Arthur, Céleste, maxwell hughes, Ishani Ghosh, Ceci, Blue, Xuan Dupuis, Sebastian, Niamh, August, Axe, Aiko, Harman, Emery, Khes G, Midas, Anyssa Rahme, Ray Burrage-Goodwin.
Artist Facilitators: Jackson Duxbury, Sabrina Ferrari, Evalyn Shields, Cara Tierney, Esther Wan, Fin Xuan.
Camp Crystal was a partnership between the Ottawa Trans Library and Carleton University Art Gallery.
With special thanks to Bill Staubi!
We acknowledge the support of the
Canada Council for the Arts.
