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Light sculptures set to shine at the Art Room Gallery in Chilliwack

Sylvie Roussel-Janssens will be showing off her most recent work at the Art Room May 26 to July 7
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Sylvie Roussel-Janssens solo show, DeLights, runs May 26 to July 7 at the Art Room Gallery. (Submitted photo)

Illuminate the imagination with DeLights, a showcase of flavours in light sculptures by Sylvie Roussel-Janssens.

This incandescent exhibition will feature window panels and light boxes created with her unique combination of textile and welded wire work. The Chilliwack Community Arts Council will present her work May 26 to July 7 in the Art Room Gallery.

Originally from Montreal, the Chilliwack-based artist has called British Columbia home since 1980.

With each sculpture she creates, Roussel-Janssens employs a unique artistic approach which blends the conceptual with a sense of joy derived from the building process.

Although her work ultimately takes on one of three forms: sculptural installations, light boxes with integrated lighting, or window panels, they all incorporate welded wire and fabric construction techniques. Known as “fabric burning” this signature technique utilizes a soldering iron on synthetic fabric to burn small holes through the surface, obtaining multi-layered, complex images. Pieces are enhanced with appliqué of acetate photocopies of images and text.

Combining elements of man-made materials with natural imagery of flora and fauna found in the varied landscapes of the Fraser Valley and beyond, Roussel-Janssens’ pieces create a dialogue about our natural surroundings, both past and present.

Her work references current environmental issues and addresses the interconnectivity of all life forms, through the use of tactile materials, rich colours, and kinetic lines.

As an honours graduate of Emily Carr College of Art with specialization in sculpture, Roussel-Janssens has continued to pursue her journey with light sculpture, at the intersection of art, craft, and design. She exhibits her work frequently and is a 2001 recipient of a Canada Council Award for her sculptural installations.

Brighten your senses this May 26 to July 7, 2017 with Sylvie Roussel-Janssens and the Chilliwack Community Arts Council.

A free-to-attend artist meet-and-greet in honour of the new exhibition, DeLights, will be held on Friday, June 2 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Chilliwack Community Arts Council (20-5725 Vedder Rd.). Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artist and learn more about her fascinating process.

The gallery is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To learn more about Roussel-Janssens, visit lsclight.com. For more details about the exhibition, call 604-769-2787 or visit the gallery page on chilliwackartscouncil.com.