After her most recent unveiling of the 'giant feather sculpture' that stands at the Bold Center roundabout, Melanie Braund from the Lac La Biche Art Club has observed a lot of positive feedback — from not just locals in the County, but elsewhere in the province as well
Braund adds that she is grateful for all the attention the sculpture is getting. It's to just the positive feedback from locals that reside in the County, but the coverage it is getting from major news channels and a social media post by the Alberta Premier himself.
"I’ve had so many people follow my progress on Facebook and Instagram. I’ve documented my journey with many photographs and videos. I’ve had random people reach out to say how much they love it as well as my friend and family support. The premier, Jason Kenney, shared my story on his Facebook page and Instagram page. I couldn’t believe it," she added.
According to Braund, the positive feedback that she is receiving is not the only component of the project's success. In fact, the success it has achieved can also be measured with how the community of Lac La Biche came together, and with the coordination of different local organizations and individuals, such a big project was made easily possible and a complete success.
"Honestly, the main reason this project was a success was because of Thompson Brothers, Enbridge and Portage College’s donations. We took the budget and doubled the value. I was able to be paid for my time and skills. The art club helped out when they could, and the County was a huge support as well. All sponsors will be honored with a plaque just outside the main doors very soon," she stated.
Even though, the Bold Center sculpture may be one of Braund's major projects that she has worked on, it definitely isn't her only one. She lists some of her previous works that includes projects that she completed not just within Lac La Biche County, but in other locations around the province as well. This has given her the opportunity to learn so much, she says.
"I moved here seven years ago... and it hasn’t taken long for people to identify me as an artist. I’ve done many paint nights and participated in art shows around here as well as in Edmonton. I created an interactive board for the farmers market, painted an entrance rock by Plamondon on highway 55. I created a mural for a CrossFit gym in Leduc. My husband and I got married on a metal scrolled bridge that I built in my breaks when I worked for the Pumpjack company. I’ve always pushed and challenged myself. I can relate to Picasso’s quote, “I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it.”... It’s a way for me to pursue my passion while I continue to be flexible while still raising my three children," said Braund.
What's next?
About two years ago, Braund had purchased a CNC Plasma table and a few other metal working machines, in hopes that she could expand her art business to metal sign work, sculpture, fire pits, and "basically anything creative that she could get her hands on," she say, adding that she still plans to do commissioned work, continue with her paint workshops and have her other art pieces for sale.
She never thought that her experience and knowledge that she gained from getting her journeyman welding ticket would lead to an art career, but that has been the case, and she would like to continue her artistic journey by contributing to any artwork and projects she is assigned — especially if it's in the Lac La Biche County. Braund even has a few suggestions of her own.
"I have heard the town may need some murals to beautify the area. I find that people need to be quite diversified to survive in this area. I never thought that getting my journeyman welding ticket would be such an asset to my art career so many years later. To be honest, I went into welding because I wanted to be independent and self-sufficient. I thought, if I went into an art career, I wouldn’t be able to support myself like I could with an oilfield welding job. This is a full circle moment for me to be able to do what I always wanted to do. It was hard work, but I enjoyed every moment of it," Braund said, "I really hope the County has more room for more of my sculptures and installations, because I would love to see more down by the waterfront or unexpected areas to enhance them. Art is lacking in this area, so I hope to fill that void as best as I could."
What's in a name?
Another thing lacking, for some, is a name for the Bold Center piece. Braund isn't big on naming her works.
Even though she doesn't really have a fancy name for it, Braund says, she likes to refer to the sculpture according to the location it is in — and, also the fact that 'being bold' is what it's all about.
"The name of the artwork is nothing fancy, but I referred to it as "The Bold Center Roundabout Sculptures." The 'Roundabout' part probably could be dropped," she said as an afterthought. "There are many aspects incorporated, so it’s the best way to be inclusive. It’s a community sculpture that I designed to try to be inclusive of the Bold Center activities, community imagery, plus incorporate the natural beauty with the county."
To find out more about Melanie Braund and her artwork, visit her website by clicking here .
