Photo: Sam Carter
The Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design stands as a tribute to the late Sam Carter, an artist, leader, and educator who made significant contributions to applied art and design in British Columbia and globally. Sam Carter, whose name is synonymous with this field, garnered international respect and admiration from artists, students, and educators alike. In 2017, his achievements were recognized when he was named the Award of Distinction laureate in Applied Art + Design.
For over 50 years, Sam Carter dedicated himself to collecting, curating, and designing exhibitions that showcased design, craft, and applied arts within Canada. His journey began in 1965 when he emigrated from California and started working at the Ontario Science Centre. As a senior designer, he helped create interactive exhibits that highlighted Canadian contributions to science.
Sam’s impact extended through his work with the Ontario College of Art, where he organized “culture probes” that engaged students, faculty, corporations, government, and communities in creative projects. Upon settling in British Columbia, he taught at the Vancouver School of Art and then Emily Carr University of Art and Design. Here, he documented and elevated Canadian design and applied arts through online history and theory courses, events, and exhibitions. His mentorship fostered lifelong friendships with artists recognized in BC and beyond for their unique and beautiful design creations.
Through his exhibitions and events, Sam showcased works by Canadian designers, craftspeople, and applied artists from all regions, allowing people from diverse backgrounds to appreciate the elegance of Canadian design, craft, and applied arts. His efforts brought international attention to Canadian talent, fuelled by his enduring passion.
Sam curated over fifteen annual exhibitions celebrating the awardees of the Applied Art + Design program. His leadership and advocacy have left an indelible mark on the field, advancing the conversation around Canada’s functional art and design and inspiring future generations.
At the 2019 Applied Art + Design presentation ceremony, Dr. Yosef Wosk, whose foundation generously supported the program for more than a decade, delivered a thoughtful and empowering speech addressing the age-old debate between art versus design. He explored what distinguishes art from design and how this award unites them both.
Morris’s philosophy of combining the practical with the beautiful resonates deeply with the ethos of applied art and design. As Dr. Wosk explained, ‘knowing’ something to be useful pertains to practical design, a rational and logical process. In contrast, ‘believing’ something to be beautiful is a more transcendent, intuitive appreciation akin to pure art.
The awardees of the Applied Art + Design award program embody this duality, bridging the worlds of art and design and making the practical more beautiful.
We salute the applied artists and designers recognized by the Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design program for their contributions. As we look forward to the 2024 recipient celebration and exhibition in November, we applaud all the artists and designers who continue pushing the boundaries of their respective practices, honouring the legacy of Sam Carter and the timeless intersection of practicality and beauty.
Check out the 2023 Applied Art + Design Awardee Films – click here
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