Patrick Imai
Patrick Imai is a self-taught sculptor based in Ottawa, Ontario. He has always been a carver. He has dabbled in other art forms: sketching, painting, stained glass, fused glass and flame glass, but has always returned to carving. He initially carved in wood, whittling tiny animals and figures with a pocketknife. In the late 90’s, Patrick tried stone carving and was hooked by the ease of working with soapstone and by the colours of the polished stone. In addition to soapstone, he works in alabaster, selenite, serpentine and marble.
Patrick has a passion for carving bears. Folklore and commercialism have given bears human characteristics. Building on this association, Patrick works to evoke human emotions and movement in his carvings. He is a direct carver, carving without a design or model, allowing the texture and form of the stone to dictate the shape of the final sculpture. He finds inspiration from personal memories and observations.
Patrick is represented by Gordon Harrison Gallery in Ottawa, ON and Fallen Leaf Gallery in Canmore, AB. He is a member of the Kanata Civic Art Gallery and the National Capital Network of Sculptors. Patrick’s carvings are in private collections in many countries around the world.
As a lifelong carver, I have always been fascinated by the alluring colors and tactile qualities of stone. Alabaster, soapstone, selenite, limestone, marble, and serpentine, each offer unique characteristics that inspire and guide my creative process. I carve without drawings or models allowing the texture and form of the stone to dictate the shape of the final sculpture. When I carve, I imagine a spirit within the stone. And during the carving process, there is a magical moment when my imagination, the stone and its spirit come together, and a sculpture comes to life.
'My primary subject is the bear, particularly the majestic polar bear. I am intrigued by the profound connection people have with bears. Bears embody a potent combination of power, strength, and natural beauty which have captivated the human imagination throughout history. I strive to create sculptures that capture the graceful movement and beauty of the bear and the essence of its spirit.
Ultimately, my artistic journey is driven by the desire to create sculptures that resonate with viewers on an emotional level. Through the interplay of form, texture, and color, I invite viewers to delve into a world where power, strength, and natural beauty converge, creating an enduring testament to the majesty of bears and the undeniable connection between nature, people and art.'
Patrick has a passion for carving bears. Folklore and commercialism have given bears human characteristics. Building on this association, Patrick works to evoke human emotions and movement in his carvings. He is a direct carver, carving without a design or model, allowing the texture and form of the stone to dictate the shape of the final sculpture. He finds inspiration from personal memories and observations.
Patrick is represented by Gordon Harrison Gallery in Ottawa, ON and Fallen Leaf Gallery in Canmore, AB. He is a member of the Kanata Civic Art Gallery and the National Capital Network of Sculptors. Patrick’s carvings are in private collections in many countries around the world.
As a lifelong carver, I have always been fascinated by the alluring colors and tactile qualities of stone. Alabaster, soapstone, selenite, limestone, marble, and serpentine, each offer unique characteristics that inspire and guide my creative process. I carve without drawings or models allowing the texture and form of the stone to dictate the shape of the final sculpture. When I carve, I imagine a spirit within the stone. And during the carving process, there is a magical moment when my imagination, the stone and its spirit come together, and a sculpture comes to life.
'My primary subject is the bear, particularly the majestic polar bear. I am intrigued by the profound connection people have with bears. Bears embody a potent combination of power, strength, and natural beauty which have captivated the human imagination throughout history. I strive to create sculptures that capture the graceful movement and beauty of the bear and the essence of its spirit.
Ultimately, my artistic journey is driven by the desire to create sculptures that resonate with viewers on an emotional level. Through the interplay of form, texture, and color, I invite viewers to delve into a world where power, strength, and natural beauty converge, creating an enduring testament to the majesty of bears and the undeniable connection between nature, people and art.'
Find Us. Visit Us. Contact Us.
210 Bridge Street
Carleton Place, ON K7C 3G9 |
|
613.253.2080
|