Today we’d like to introduce you to Belinda Recio .
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always been fascinated by the far north, and I have always loved winter, so ten years ago I decided to open True North, a gallery that was focused on both. When we first opened, we represented work by Inuit artists from arctic Canada and Greenland, Yup’ik artists from Alaska and Siberia, Sami artists from Northern Europe, and Northwest Coast artists. We also carried non-indigenous art inspired by the north, as well as sleigh tables, snowshoe chairs, antique skis, and other wintry things.
We still represent indigenous art from the circumpolar north, but over the years, we expanded our collection to include art, gifts, and décor inspired not just by the far north, but also by nature at large. I try to find work that helps people reconnect with the beauty and mystery in the world—work that tells stories about the deeper meaning of things, like the sheltering embrace of a nest or the owl who descends into the dusky edges of our dreams.
To give you a few examples, at True North, you will find work by British artist Catherine Hyde, who uses layers of paint, pastel, gold and silver leaf, and mica to create dreamlike imagery that explores the interplay between animals, landscape, and imagination. You will also find gorgeous handmade bags created with locally-made bees-waxed linen and a wonderful collection of rustically chic reindeer leather bracelets by Scandinavian artists. We have “Turning Bear” fetishes carved by Lakota artist Delbert Charging Crow, who creates his talismanic carvings to help people turn their life around, as well as elegant porcelain luminaries that are inspired by the patterns the wind makes when blowing across the snow.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
We opened in 2008, in the middle of the financial crisis. There we were, starting an art gallery that sold nothing anyone really needed during difficult times. We didn’t plan it that way, but that’s how it worked out, and things didn’t look good. But we discovered that it is often in the midst of dark times that people most need art. We also learned that at such times people need meaning in their lives, so they were drawn to the kind of collection that we carry. They loved the art and stories behind the work, as well as the thematic shows we curated-on subjects like navigating by the stars or bringing light into the winter night. Against all odds, the gallery succeeded. After all, it’s been ten years and we’re still here! But it was daunting at times. We are located off the beaten path and it has been a challenge to get people to find us. But once they do, they return again and again, and they tell their friends. We have been very lucky to have found such wonderful, loyal customers.
True North Gallery – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
What sets True North apart is our mission to connect people to a deeper well of meaning through the work we show. For example, during our artisan bell show, I would tell customers about the symbolism of bells-how they are used to awaken the spirit and clear the mind in prayer, meditation, and other contemplative practices. And I would show them Michele Quan’s spectacular temple-inspired ceramic bells that are inscribed with Tibetan calligraphy or the phases of the moon. I also told them about how Richard Fisher’s bells-hand-cast in his barn in Maine – are inspired by the way that the landscape and weather can actually shape a bell’s sound. And these stories would make bells more meaningful, intriguing, and beautiful to them. This approach is what sets us apart.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
To me, success is about feeling like you are making some kind of positive difference in the world, and in yourself, too. Always being open to learning, and approaching challenges both creatively and analytically, has contributed to my personal success.
Contact Info:
- Address: True North Gallery is located at 25 Woodbury Street, in South Hamilton, MA 01983
- Website: truenorthgallery.net
- Phone: 978-468-1962
- Email: truenorthgallery@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrueNorthGallery
Image Credit:
Ed Blomquist, Luminaries: Tabbatha Henry; Bell: Michele Quan, Rabbit with Tree: Seth Fitts, Birds on Wire: Judy Paul, Rabbit & Raven: Germaine Arnaktauyok, Sami Bracelets: Belinda Recio
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