Remembering Isla Burns (1952-2024)

This past week, the art world has lost another great art legend, Isla Burns.  

She was a trail blazer in abstract steel sculpting in Canada.  Isla had always a passion for sculpting.  She first came to Canada with her mother from the United Kingdom in 1970, where she first studied at the Alberta College of Art (now the Alberta University of the Arts) in 1975.  Subsequently in 1978, she received her Masters of Fine art at the University of Alberta.  

In pursuant of her passion in sculpting and in need of funds, she found herself taking on welding jobs in the freight industry (Boeing); where she became so proficient that she was teaching others, and later repairing equipment in the oil industry (in Saskatchewan).  It was here that she honed her skills.

Isla's prominence as a new sculptor earned her an apprenticeship working for Sir Anthony Caro in England.  In 1983, Isla returned to the University of Alberta where she taught for three decades, and was able to immerse herself into her sculpting career.   In 1995, she married Phil Darrah, painter and professor in the Fine arts program at U of A.  In 1998, they moved to Mulhurst and established their studio and home there.  The only home I have ever been to that has a forklift in it!  She had quite the fabulous studio perfect for immersing herself into her creations.

In 2002 she received an award for excellence from the Alberta College of Art (AUArts).  Additionally, she was accepted into the Royal Canadian Academy, this same year.  In 2013, she was inducted into the Cultural Hall of Fame in Edmonton.

She was a passionate person with a quick wit.  She will be missed.  May her spirit and creativity be continually embraced through her art.

For condolences to the family and full obituary, please visit HERE.