Aaron Salamon has gained a reputation locally as a talented carver who is capable of doing some impressive things with stone.
His carvings earned him first place in the Estevan Arts Council’s Adjudicated Art Show in 2013. And he has been part of the last two self-guided art tours the arts council has hosted.
Numerous carvings by Salamon are currently on display at the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum’s (EAGM) through his Power and Beauty exhibit. Six of them are in the EAGM’s Gallery No. 2, and two more are in the EAGM’s lobby, including a buffalo-owl creation that local residents contributed to during those arts tours.
He discussed his work during a reception at the EAGM on March 24.
“All of the sculptures represent something beautiful, as well as something that deserves some respect or admiration for its power,” he said.
His creations include: an eagle that can soar well above its prey; a dangerous tornado dancing across the land; an F-18 fighter jet that can cut across the sky; a shark ready to attack its next victim; a vintage Corvette Stringray car; and a fiery, determined and elegant woman.
“I chose Power and Beauty as something where I could showcase different subject matter that I was interested in, and I thought was beautiful, because that’s what I wanted to do was just focus on something fun for this series,” said Salamon.
A couple of the carvings are made from soapstone, and a couple more are alabaster. There’s also a yellow wave stone sculpture, and another made with translucent crystal alabaster.
Power and Beauty marked the first time Salamon has had a solo exhibit, and he’s thrilled with how it turned out.
Salamon noted his grandparents on his mother’s side used stone to create art, which gave him an appreciation from a young age for the beauty of stone. His mother was a talented artist who dabbled in sketchwork, painting, interior decorating and rock art.
Shortly after his mother passed away, Salamon began working on his first stone carvings.
“I took a hammer and an old chisel out of the shop, and some stone out of the old pile of rocks … and the rest is history. After that point, I enjoyed carving,” he said.
His early sculptures had a serious tone, as they were a tribute to his mother.
Salamon noted he also picked up some traits from his father that helped him develop as an artist.
“I don’t think he gets nearly enough credit for a lot of the stuff I do, but it all ties back to an attention to detail and staying with a project until it looks just right,” said Salamon.
The sculptures are very delicate, and they take quite a bit of time to complete. People were allowed to touch the buffalo-owl sculpture, but they had to do so with care.
Power and Beauty will remain at the EAGM until April 20.
