by E.C. Munson
Peel Weekly News July 23, 2020
While you and I might go to the beach to relax and soak up some sun, Del Foxton is more akin to a beachcomber. She constantly is on the lookout for materials that can be used in her handmade artisan papers and that means vegetable matter and whatever might go into the recycling box are fair game for her resourceful purposes.
As a self proclaimed paper junkie, Foxton repurposes paper and garden discards into handmade paper to create artistic constructs. She is delighted that in her small way she lessens her carbon footprint while indulging her passion for making beautiful paper that becomes sculptures and wall hangings.
Recently, she has embraced a seven day challenge to work on a new piece of art each day, also passing on that challenge to another artist daily. Her quotes with some of these pieces are such an insight on how her artistic practice is an extension of her personal philosophy and how it guides her life with those day to day decisions which can be so telling. As a member of our consumerist society, I felt driven to adopt the philosophy of ‘reduce and repurpose in my personal and professional life. The opportunity to reuse materials and items that served us well the first time and to now create a unique work of art with them brings me great satisfaction. “Trends come and go, but Del stays true to her creative vision while finding new ways to not only surprise and delight but address present day challenges,” comments one colleague. What an apt statement about an artist who focuses on her artistic practice as it relates to her environmental footprint and still finds time to think of the greater good for others who are more vulnerable and needy. My artistry is about protecting our natural resources. I use my art making process to bring to the fore my belief that if you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem....
The 25th annual fundraiser for the Grand Bahamas National Parks took place this past December at the Rand Nature Centre, in the Grand Bahama. A lifetime member of the Bahamas National Trust, Del was their featured artist this year. This was her 15th year to participate in Festival Noël, the Bahamas National Trust’s signature and main fundraising event for their National Parks. This year, all funds raised from ticket sales went towards the restoration of the hurricane devastated Lucayan National Park and Rand Nature Centre.
Del continues to think ahead to what the next generations will inherit from us. My goal is, that interest in my art draws attention that will lead to informative and constructive conversations that generates a culture that cares enough about our environment to become part of the solution, in their own special way.
Again, in her own words, Del Foxton continues to give back and be part of the solution as when in 2019 she decided to... offer my artistry for sale, with all proceeds being donated to further the humanitarian works of our local Crossroads outreach campaign that was established over 20 years ago and (which) provides ongoing distribution to some of the island’s [Bahamas] most needy residents.
From its inception, circa 105 AD, to the present day, Del Foxton is one of the artisans keeping the art of handmade paper alive, despite the industrialization of the paper making process. She attends conferences and belongs to associations that are part of the global network for this ancient art form. It is easily observed that she likewise is keeping alive the notion of community, as wherever you find Del, you notice the links and connections she reaches out to make.
Several months out of the year, you can find Del at her Mono home at Adagio Art Gallery and Studio. You very well might find her “exploring the woodland vegetation for unusual leaves for my upcoming paper making projects at Adagio Art Gallery and Studio.”
There is much to be inspired with at her studio. Visitors are welcomed to Del’s studio where she has quipped that it is Tea on Tuesdays and Wine on Wednesdays when you come out to visit. The teatime visits allow for the ceremony befitting the use of the elegant teacup collection she has inherited from her mother.
A member of Headwaters Arts, Del enjoys exhibiting at their gallery in the Alton Mill Arts Centre. She has recently joined the Editorial Team for Headwaters Arts bi-monthly newsletter as a regular contributor for a community connections column.
She is also a member of the Orangeville Art Group and international associations and arts organizations.
With her 15 years practicing as a Contemporary Artist, specializing as an Eco Artisan, by the unique pieces she is inspired to create from her own handmade paper, Del is keeping alive the ancient Chinese process of paper-making while bridging it with our current environmental concerns. Bravo and kudos to Del for her lively engagement with her artistic practice that gives back to communities in so many ways!
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