2025
Exhibition Residencies
Residency 30/5/24 - 13/6/24
Deborah Spear is a self-taught stone sculptor based in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. (Irish and English heritage).
Over the last 19 years she has carved animal sculptures using hand tools such as files, rasps and a bow saw. She appreciates the quietness of carving with hand tools and prefers to use soft stones such as soapstone and alabaster. Seeking to expand and push personal boundaries she has also begun to sculpt with clay.
Most often inspiration comes from the wildlife, forests, and the rugged nature of Lake Superior in Northwestern Ontario. She often carves outdoors beside running water, easily carrying her tools with her. View her art @sleepinggiantstone on Instagram
Deborah Spear
Art connects people. Most sculptures go to the home of a person who has experienced something personal with that particular animal and has a story to share. A bear that visits their yard in the Summer. The playfulness of otters seen on the lake. The tactile experience of beautiful stone is appealing to many.
A desire to connect with other artists and learn new skills has included traveling to Volterra Italy in 2022 and again in 2024 to study Alabaster carving.
Carving in stone for 19 years has allowed me to begin to test boundaries with movement and flow in stone. My latest area of study focuses on creating sculptures that echo animals’ motions in their predator and prey relationships as well as in play.
Another area of interest is Irish mythology and lore integrated into sculpture. View art @sleepinggiantstone on Instagram
Past Residencies