A Hare-Raising Tale, by Annette ten Cate, is a new body of work centred around the lost dreams of an idealized adulthood. It explores grief, courage and hope. Through her signature ceramic sculptures, ten Cate cleverly creates a narrative about the complexity of relationships, loss and rebirth. An array of animal characters — such as bear, fox, racoon and goat — embody human personalities and are supported by three-dimensional backdrops. Her dioramas compose a storyline that is universally relatable. The notoriously charming aesthetic of her ceramic characters is ten Cate’s calling card, but this time, she has gone beyond the chronicle of the naïve, ingeniously telling a story about the obstacles faced on one’s life journey.

A Hare-Raising Tale envelopes the viewer in a three-dimensional storybook, in which ten Cate’s Hare is the main character. She explains, “Rather than observing the pieces as independent vignettes, the viewer is encouraged to join my ceramic Hare as it travels through its journey of hope, reality, disappointment and rebirth.” The beginning of ten Cate’s tale, Loves Me, Loves Me Not, articulates the quintessential daydreamy, lovesick concept. The story then flows to pieces such as The Thrill is Gone and The Unfair Fight, with the Hare navigating the challenges of adulthood. “While in the depths of despair,” ten Cate says, “challenges can seem insurmountable, unending and overwhelming. This exhibition is my message that no matter how dire things seem, with personal resilience and the support of others, we can navigate through grief and joy in a new beginning.”

A Hare-Raising Tale describes experiences of love, loss and resilience through an accessible aesthetic of beloved animal figurines who persevere as they make their way in the world.

About the artist

Annette ten Cate lives in Grey/Bruce County, Ontario, but got her start at the Guelph Sculpture Group about 18 years ago. Her love for hand-formed clay was immediate and led her to study ceramics at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario where she graduated with high honours and received many student awards including the Silent Night Award in her nal year. She then received a coveted year-long residency space at the Medalta International Artist in Residence program in Alberta’s Historic Clay District. Annette enjoyed several years in Alberta where she re ned her practice and changed her focus from the human gure to local wildlife. Her aim has been respect and care for all creatures, as well as creating greater awareness of species considered at risk. Annette also portrays wildlife that are unfairly labeled pests, simply because of their proximity to urban spaces and their ability to adapt to our changing environment.

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