RICHARD MENARD STUDIO/GALLERY

cedar carving by Richard Menard

ARTIST'S STATEMENT:

Richard Menard creates sculptural forms in wood, stone and bronze. His wooden pieces are made in fine red and yellow cedar, specializing in exquisite burl wood. His work exudes a contemplative and serene presence, an eclectic mix of Eastern and Western philosphies and form. His work is part of collections in Canada, the United States and internationally.

Menard's early artistic expression included photographing river valleys near his home in Edmonton and later, after his move to Vancouver BC, large abstract acrylic paintings. His fascination with the natural world and the beauty of the West Coast took him to Tofino where he first tried his hand at carving and discovered an affinity for working in wood.

Soon after, he met renowned First Nations carver, Frances Home, who guided him through his first pieces. In 1990, Menard decided to make Tofino his home where he worked alongside local carver, Henry Nolla who apprenticed with Roy Henry Vickers and worked extensively with the renowned artist.

Menard's work has been greatly influenced by life on the West Coast including the First Nations people, particularly the Nuu-chah-nulth and Haida, whose art and way of life has provided great inspiration and teaching. Equally, his art has been influenced by spiritual exploration and practise. In the 1990's,  he encountered meditation and the self-realization teachings of Parmahana Yogananda. Menard traveled to India to develop his meditation and yoga practise which continues to be central to his life, and recently became a devotee of Amma. Menard lives and works on Denman Island and recently built a beautiful new studio.

“In our modern world, a great many of us experience a daily bombardment of noise, imagery and over-stimulation. My intention is to create art that invites the experiencer to contemplate, breathe and feel at peace.”

                                                               -Richard Menard