Tofino Artist Gael Duchene

Reverence for nature can be seen and felt in the art of Gael Duchene. Gael believes that nature is always the best creator and she showcases its magnificence through her art.

Gael arrived twenty years ago from London Ontario to live and work on Meares Island at Kakawis Family Center. She fell in love with the pristine wilderness, the people of the west coast and their cultural history that embraced living in harmony with their surroundings.

Gael has always enjoyed artistic discovery in various mediums: painting, drawing, fabric art, photography, and jewelry. Her love of woodturning was born 10 years ago when friend Keith Plumley taught Gael this craft. He encouraged her emerging talent and found Gael her first lathe. Carver Richard Menard, now on Denman Island, taught face-carving lessons.

After a piece of wood is shaped on the lathe Gael often adds her unique artistic expression: inlayed shell and stone, the four elements from the Medicine Wheel, painted, carved, and wood burned designs. She also carves faces on large pieces of turned wood.

Gael enjoys collaborating with other artists. An example is the large feast platter “Sacred Circle” at Long Beach Lodge, turned by Keith Plumley.

“When carving the weathered, outer layers from a burl that industry has discarded, I always marvel at what is revealed inside. This beauty and sacredness was once held within the living tree and I am reminded of the importance of our connection with nature.”

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Gael’s work is in homes around the world and can be seen at her home studio by appointment 725-4277, and every Saturday at the Tofino Public Market.