The Martlet

Who: Caleb Speller What: Over My Dead Body Where: Art Gallery of Greater Victoria When: Now until July 13

Victoria local, Caleb Speller, is following up his recent notation as one of the Island’s most promising artists with a show in the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.

Speller’s work will be shown along with the Andy Warhol exhibit, but Speller noted that it wasn’t designed with that in mind. “He’s on the other side of wall,” said Speller, “[but] it could be anybody because as an artist you can’t help but connect with all of the artists who have come before you.”

Speller’s show consists of three levels: photography, found object display and current sculpture — a unique chance to watch an artist in motion. “I’ll probably be barefoot,” said Speller. He may even be listening to old records or a CD player.

The photography series in Speller’s display has been a project of his for several years, and can stand alone from the other sections. But it’s the idea of an artist, death and what is left behind which holds the three sections together.

Speller will be riding his bike to the gallery to collect objects for the other portions of his exhibit. He already has an American flag hacky sack and a bin full of socks to start with — he hopes to make a sock monkey or a sculpture. “I don’t wash them either,” he added. These items will stay on the shelves until he is inspired to create.

Speller hopes people will come and interact with him during the exhibit, but he also understands that “some people are more comfortable in a person’s house when they aren’t home.”

Speller’s art is a visual representation of the past, dealing not so much with death as with a finite sense of time. Over My Dead Body gives the audience the chance to see the creative side to creating art.

The show touches on the idea of being forgotten, and leaves a strong feeling that there is more to art than just the Andy Warhol’s of the world. There are artists now – crafting nuances for us to watch for.