François Mongeau, Carver and Sculptor

sculptor in stone and wood

Born in 1946, François Mongeau has been sculpting since 1970. Although he spent a brief period at «l' École des Beaux-Arts» in Montreal, he is mostly self-taught. He worked for some months with Robert Davidson, a Haida artist, and became proficient with the native hooked knife and adzes. A move to British Colombia started a whole new evolution for François. The creatures and people of the West Coast brought forth a new vista to be explored. He discovered the potential in driftwood. His sculpture, a Whale and Young, carved from a nine meter (thirty-foot) cedar log, stood for twelve years as a land mark at French Creek on the Island Highway.

In 1985/86, he returned to Quebec to study under master carver Roger André Bourgault at «École de sculpture de St-Jean-Port-Joli». There, beginning with «Mon Vieil Ami» François began a series of super realistic visual poems, portraying the character in everyday apparel with subtle humor and integrity.

With renewed enthusiasm, he returned to Vancouver Island and became part of the resident artist community at «The Old School House Gallery » (T.O.S.H.) in Qualicum Beach. In 1989, François was working with Fabric Artist, Elaine Duncan, to produce a five-meter (sixteen-foot) mural for the Qualicum Beach Civic Center, depicting a family on the beach.

After time spent at T.O.S.H., François moved on to building a studio for himself on the Englishman River near Parksville. There, he continued to challenge himself with work that related to designing for home decors.

In 1997, François spent a few months building and carving a mural, seven meters by two meters (twenty four feet by six feet) for the City of Port Hardy depicting the life in the past, present, and future of Port Hardy . It stands in the Copper Room at the Civic Center representing the industries and life style.

In 1998, there was a dramatic turn in François' approach to his work when he started incorporating his art in furniture, log home, and doors. He traveled to Japan and spent several years creating marvels out of ordinary items.

In most recent years, François has expanded his horizons mixing wood, glass, and stone. He also has been using 3D software to refine the accuracy of his design. In short, François always enjoys a challenge. Working with people to bring out their artistic sense, is one of François greatest joy.

François Mongeau 'sculptures can be found in private and public collection in Europe, North America and Asia.

François Mongeau
879 Kasba Circle - French Creek , Parksville, BC / V9P 2A6 - CANADA
f.mongeau@shaw.ca

Tel. : (250) 954-1376 / Fax : (250) 954-1383