Heather McCaig
Heather McCaig is a flameworked borosilicate glass artist born in Toronto, Ontario, now living near Sussex, New Brunswick. She is entirely self-taught and at the forefront of flameworked fine glass art in Atlantic Canada. Through her work, she hopes to portray the fragility of our natural world and inspire a need for its protection.
Heather’s sculpted glass provincial and territorial floral emblems were displayed at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, New Brunswick’s Provincial Gallery, in 2023. The recipient of the 2022 Nel Oudemans Award from the Sheila Hugh MacKay Foundation. She currently sits on the board of AX: The Arts and Culture Centre of Sussex, NB. In 2021, Heather’s glass series Shadows, a statement about the global climate crisis, was selected by Canadian Heritage and the Provincial Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture to represent New Brunswick in a virtual exhibition at the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany.
What led you to become an artist?
I have always been interested in art. I was a crazy kid, and I took all the art classes available throughout high school. I went to school at Haliburton School of the Arts for ceramics in 2011, mentored with different artists, volunteered at art galleries and the New Brunswick Craft Council. All these opportunities have a been a great learning experience. I became a full-time artist at 21 yrs. old. I had nothing to lose at the time, so I just went for it. I’ve been an artist ever since.
How did your training and experience help you to create and innovate in your artistic practice?
I’ve learned a lot from these opportunities. Being surrounded by other artists and attending art openings is a great way to become inspired. It pushes me forward as an artist.
What stimulates you most about your practice?
The flow of solid and liquid states. How fragile it is, as well as strong. It is an incredible medium.
What drew you to glass works?
I was a ceramist for roughly 3 years before I switched to glass. I began to get symptoms of carpal tunnel when I was working with ceramics, and I knew I had to make a change. My husband was working glass and I naturally started messing around on his torch. Eventually I got my own flameworking torch.
What motivates your creativity?
Environmentalism is a driving force in my work. It is something that I live my life around, trying to be more environmentally conscious. The climate crisis feels very out of our control. Art is a way to channel those emotions.
How does your creative process unfold as you create an artwork?
I begin by making parts. For a flower I would make all the petals and the stem. Once I have all the individual pieces made, I assemble them all.
What is your artistic approach and/or philosophy to creating art?
I think that has changed a lot over time, but in the last few years I can see how modern events have penetrated my work more than I even realized at the Time. I guess it’s my way of trying to understand the world or process my emotions.
Why do you think it’s important to make art and pursue an artistic career?
Creating art can be very therapeutic. It is also a way to see how others think and feel. I truly believe art is an important part of the human experience.
What have you learned about yourself and the artistic community through your work?
I have learned we are a very resilient bunch. The artistic community in New Brunswick is very supportive and down to earth. They are happy to answer questions and help you learn. I am very happy to be a part of this community.
What do you think is the impact of artists work on communities as a whole?
Art brings people together. It creates community. It allows us to feel less alone.
Describe what you are most proud of in your career.
I am most proud of my most recent body of work, Together We Bloom. It showcases Canada’s thirteen provincial floral emblems in sculpted glass. Symbolizing the range of habitats and regional identities of our country. Together they represent the nation’s diversity as well as being symbols of strength, adaptation, and unity.
It has been exhibited at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and The Saint John Arts Centre. This year it is going to Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre in Saint Andrews and The Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery in Ontario.
This body of work has truly transformed my art career.
What advice would you give to young and emerging artists?
Keep practicing. Volunteer at your local gallery, you will learn a lot.
