In Episode 9 of Art Island, filmmaker Zsofin Sheehy finds sculptor Tom Knott nestled in the heart of Hornby Island's forests on Mount Geoffrey, where he lives and works. Tom's practice is an ongoing search for deep meaning and wider connection through his welded kinetic steel sculptures, which manage to combine mathematics and lyricism all at once. In this interview he imparts a lifetime of wisdom honed by years of spiritual exploration, inner work, and listening to trees. Through his carefully spiralling meditations, Tom's work shows that "not all who wander are lost" when material meets metaphysical ideas beyond the space of language.

[About Tom Knott]
Tom Knott’s journey began in 1970 when he moved to Vancouver with intentions of following a conventional career path in the sciences, influenced by familial and societal pressures. However, his affinity for capturing emotion through a 35mm camera led him to explore artistic expression through the intersection of photography and assemblage art. In 1988, he established his sanctuary on Hornby Island, crafting his abode, studio, and workshop. In early years on Hornby, Tom’s practice was based in digital photography. However, when he transitioned to welding, Tom embarked on a prolific exploration of kinetic steel sculpture, creating over 200 pieces in the ever-growing Unity Maze series. 

[Art Island: Perspectives from a Creative Community]
Who are the individuals that comprise the vibrant artistic community of Hornby Island? This 10-episode docu-series looks into the personal lives and artistic perspectives of local artists — our community members. Expanding on how they became artists, what inspires their art, challenges they've encountered, and how they persevered, Art Island is a deep dive into why artists feel art is important and how it has the power to affect us all.

[Credits]
A Film By - Zsofin Sheehy
Associate Producer - Emma Walter
Assistant Director - Kris Krüg
Location Sound - Liam Wheatley
Sound Mix & Design - Matt Copeland
Title Animation - Grigorii Kniagnitskii
Colour - Bogdan Mykytenko

[Music]
Andy D Park
Elddir
Outland

ART ISLAND was created on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.

Funding for this episode of ART ISLAND is provided by the Canada Council for the Arts, BC Arts Council, and the Province of British Columbia.