Jamey Richards

Born: Owen Sound, ON, Canada - 1975

Studio: in-situ design

About the Work:

Series I & II_Seclus Entoma: "the hidden insect"

There is an apprehension and an appreciation of insect fauna; interest stems from how they both influence and hinder human civilization. The influence of insects in literature, language, music, the arts, history, and religion has been recognized. As a conspicuous part of our environment, insects have captured our imaginations and become incorporated into our thinking from earliest times. Although the insect is commonly considered a low form of life that deserves only contempt, it is justifiable to contemplate the rightful relationships between humans and insects. Almost no aspect of our culture is untouched by these creatures. It is clear that culture is another sphere in which adaptability has compensated for the basically alien arthropod form and comportment.

The metamorphosis of creatures, that usually irritate or disgust into objects of art and intrigue, challenges us to find beauty in unexpected places. It is this underlying fascination of the insects' exoskeleton [or body wall] both aesthetically and architecturally that creates metaphors both formally and structurally.

Meaningful form...

Jamey Richards received his B.Sc. in Entomology from the University of Victoria in 1999, and his M.Arch from the University of Toronto in 2003. As an entomologist and ecologist, Jamey has focused his architectural studies on sustainable and bioclimatic design.

His thesis project, Field Station for Entomological Studies, has received several awards including the ARCC/ King Student Medal for Excellence in Architectural and Environmental Design Research, the 2004 Canadian Architect Student Award of Excellence and an Honourable Mention: Ideas & Presentations for the 2005 OAA Awards of Excellence. His interest in zoology and ecology has led him to design pursuits and research in natural systems.

As an artist/ entomologist, 'insect tectonics' has and continues to have a significant and inspirational impact on his design process and biological investigation. Jamey's academic experiences has provided the foundation for the skills and knowledge associated with the reaearch and representation of the various species of insects. His interest in insect subject matter has influenced his appreciation of the aethetic and mechanical complexity of the insect form.

Past Exhibitions:

2008: "Gregaria" _ Self-produced exhibition, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI
2006: "Gregaria" _ Bobby Five Gallery, Toronto, ON, Canada
2006: "Entoma" _ Mercury Bar, Toronto, ON, Canada
2006: "Entoma" _ Pulp Kitchen, Toronto, ON, Canada
2006: "Gregaria" _ Club 36: TD Waterhouse Tower, Toronto, ON, Canada
2006: "Gregaria" _ RAW: Riverdale Art Walk, Toronto, ON, Canada
2006: "Gregaria" _ Self-produced exhibition, Toronto, ON, Canada
2005: "Decide" _ Group Exhibition - KnightFlight Theatre, Toronto, ON, Canada
2005: "Square Foot" _ Group Exhibition - AWOL Gallery, Toronto, ON, Canada
2005: "Seclus Entoma"_Self-produced exhibition, Toronto, ON, Canada
2005: "Hope" _ Group Exhibition - Hangman Gallery, Toronto, ON, Canada
2004: "Meaningful Form" _ Speak Easy Group Exhibition - Gladstone Hotel, Toronto, ON, Canada,