Untitled - June Callwood's Hand

1995
bronze
7 1/2" x 5 3/8"
Donated by: the artist
Estimate: $4,800

Since the mid-1980s, Guelph-based sculptor Connie Gallotti has captured in bronze and clay the visages of Canada's leading social and cultural icons.

"I determined who I wanted to portray based on their contribution to our cultural identity," Gallotti explains. "It began as a project for people who are visually impaired. By touching these tactile portraits, the visually impaired are able to 'see' what these people looked like."

In 1984, author Margaret Laurence became Gallotti's first subject. Since then, this unique collection has grown to almost 30 portraits. Included are likenesses of singer Joni Mitchell, broadcaster Peter Gzowski, environmentalist David Suzuki, and Casey House's founder, June Callwood. "I wanted to portray people whose influence on Canadian culture will be long-lasting," says Gallotti. "I'd always admired June, and when she came to Guelph in 1995 to attend an AIDS fundraiser, I contacted her about the project."

Gallotti also casts other parts of her subjects' bodies, especially if they represent that person's livelihood. (For example, Gallotti has cast ballerina Karen Kain's legs en pointe.) "June was a writer and her hands were her instrument," Gallotti says about her decision to sculpt Callwood's hands. "She complained they were arthritic and gnarly from years of working on manual typewriters, but I thought her hands were exquisite. They symbolized her willingness to always 'lend a hand' and reach out to those in need."

Gallotti has donated her sculpture of Callwood's right hand to this year's Art with Heart auction. "Casey House had a very special place in June's heart," says Gallotti. "She would have been happy to know that this sculpture was being donated to support Casey House's important work."