From an early age Santo Mignosa was determined to learn about the medium of clay, which would come to fascinate, frustrate and further his artistic career.
From stoking his father’s kiln in Sicily to presenting workshops and teaching in Canada, he studied, exhibited, taught and travelled his way to an impressive collection of awards, academic accomplishments and colourful associations with like-minded sculptors.
From his large slab sculptures and murals to his to figurative and abstract renderings of the human form, Sea Salt, Lizards and Clay provides a snapshot into the highlights of Mignosa’s artistic career.
Editions:
ISBN: 9781989467329 (softcover). $29.95 CAD, $24.95 USD.
Available via your local bookstore, Indigo-Chapters, or Amazon.ca
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Reviews / Testimonials:
Santos Mignosa grew up in Sicily to a family of tile makers, and clay is is in his blood. It shows in the sensuous forms of his figurative studies, in the strength of simplicity of his functional tableware, and in the disciplined modernism of his abstract sculptural work.
In his studio is a lifetime of creativity and exploration. To the left, a wall of clay figures; voluptuous, wiry, muscular, sagging, the shapes of humanity in all their power and vulnerability. In the kiln, a random pile of tableware waiting to be bisqued; bowls, cups, casseroles,plates, strong forms crafted by a knowledgeable hand with an eye to function and comfort. Standing proudly in the centre among the bags of clay is a line of sculptures. They are a collection of modernist designs, minimalist and precise, but each one has a distinct individuality, well thought out and impeccably executed.
For some people, the path through life is clear, and they follow their dreams with all their heart and all their joy. Mignosa’s work illustrates this kind of dedication and devotion. As a maker, as a teacher, and as an artist, he shows his accomplishment and vision of a life in clay.
—Suzan Marczak
“This is the story of a life well lived, with passion, creativity, humour and generosity. Through his perceptions and the magic of his fingers, Santo Mignosa has been able to create powerful and beautiful sculptures which reflect the qualities of his life. This book is a tribute to his art and his life.”
—Olga Campbell, visual artist and author of A Whisper Across Time and Graffiti Alphabet
“Santo Mignosa coaxes out meaning beyond the literal depiction of the form. He interprets his own feelings from his perceptions to create a story as a sculptural allegory. He is driven to create, open to challenges, not afraid to share his ideas with others, and his positive energy and playful spirit shines through his work. He is a vital, talented, expressive artist, and a decent human being, a real mensch.”
—Ken Clarke, sculptor
