Circle of Friends

About Circle of Friends

This bold, expressive minimalist sculpture by BC artist Martha Sturdy features six different geometric ‘head-like’ steel pieces that stand facing one another in a circle. Shadows cast by the cut-outs in each ‘head’ add a dynamic element to the piece. The basic forms are also enhanced by the natural patina the steel acquires as it reacts to weather. Sturdy is known for her strong, clean design aesthetic.

“My process is visceral, and my statements are both personal and honest. I suppose it’s that unwavering authenticity that evokes emotion.” Martha Sturdy

Born in 1942 in Vancouver, Martha (Varcoe) Sturdy graduated from the Emily Carr University with a BFA and later received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters.
In 1978, Martha opened ‘Sturdy,’ a design studio where her unique lines of jewelry, furniture and home accessories received international acclaim. Sturdy’s designs have been featured in American, Italian and French Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Architectural Digest magazines. Her ‘wearable sculpture’ appeared on the fashion runways of designers Donna Karan, Oscar de la Renta and Calvin Klein. In 2002, she received the Governor General’s Golden Jubilee Award for her achievements as a Canadian artist. She was inducted into the Royal Academy of Arts in 2006. The Oeno Gallery is her sole representative in Canada.