10 Tofino Artists You Need to Know
When it comes to “art,” they say every artist has a story, and every piece tells it without words. What kind of art speaks to you?
Whether you come for one of Tofino’s many artisan events, or stroll the galleries that line our quaint streets, come meet and discover the many talented Tofino artists and handcrafted creations that make our spectacular corner of the world even more enchanting.
Need a unique gift for that equally unique person on your Christmas list, an upcoming birthday, or special occasion? Chances are extraordinarily good that one of these 10 Tofino artists has the perfect solution.
[Listed in alphabetical order by art medium/artist…we admire and appreciate them all and don’t want to play favourites!]
JEWELRY
1. Christy Feaver
Inspired by love, life, the sea and her travels in the South Pacific, metal artist Christy Feaver is known for the distinctive, handcrafted designs that reflect her passionate spirit and how she sees the world.
See what we mean at Christy Feaver Modern Metalwork. Her Tofino House of Alaia gallery showcases her work along with other jewellers in the community. Christy also calls Canggu, Bali home part of the year where she has another gallery and workshop.
2. Lisa Fletcher
Using recycled metals, ethically sourced stones, and natural items, whenever possible, Lisa Fletcher’s hand forged jewellery embraces the organic beauty of Tofino.
Browse her signature collections including Landscape, From the Sea and From the Forest.
PAINTINGS & ILLUSTRATIONS
3. Signy Cohen
Known for her beautiful compositions in coloured pencil as well as her masterful portraits, Signy Cohen is an internationally published illustrator that has been featured in numerous books and magazines.
As Founder and Director of Reflecting Spirit Gallery in Tofino and Ucluelet, you can view her work along with other local painters, carvers, sculptors and more.
4. Mark Hobson
An award-winning artist best known for his passionate portrayals of the wildlife and landscapes of the Canadian Pacific coast, Mark Hobson taught high school science before devoting his career full time to painting. Over the course of his 30+ year career, more than twenty of his images have been showcased by Ducks Unlimited as fund-raising limited edition prints.
While several prominent west coast galleries showcase his work, the official Mark Hobson Gallery is in Tofino, where Mark still enjoys inspiring voyages into Clayoquot Sound to paint on his floating studio and offers painting workshops that are quick to sell-out.
Banner photo credit: Mark Hobson’s original “Chesterman Beach: Sunset Over Frank Island”
5. Marla Thirsk
Combining a passion for the Graphic Novel genre and science fiction, Marla Thirsk’s unique approach to the stories behind her paintings are influenced by everything she sees, feels and experiences.
View her work at the Reflecting Spirit Gallery.
6. Roy Henry Vickers
Over the course of his colourful 40+ year career, celebrated artist Roy Henry Vickers has been a driving force in putting British Columbia’s First Nations art scene on the map and walls of galleries.
Roy is also an accomplished carver, but it’s his signature paintings and limited edition prints – featuring bold colours, hard lines and symbols depicting nature – that are famously recognizable. See Roy’s work at the Eagle Aerie Gallery.
PHOTOGRAPHY
7. Jeremy Koreski
Renowned outdoor photographer Jeremy Koreski discovered a knack and passion for the camera as a teenager growing up in Tofino. He’s been capturing surfing, fishing and the life and culture of Canada’s west coast ever since.
Jeremy’s prints and limited edition collections can be seen throughout the community, including the Pacific Sands website and in-suite art. His spectacular new book This Is Nowhere is displayed in our Beach Houses and Signature Suites, and available for purchase in Guest Services.
POTTERY
8. Daniela Petosa
With a fascination for clay that took root in Mexico, ceramic artist Daniela Petosa now finds inspiration in wild, coastal landscape of Tofino. Best known for contemporary ceramic tile designs and screen-printed pottery, some recurring elements in her collections include birds in flight, moving water, windswept sand, and aquatic.
Her custom/commissioned work is showcased throughout Tofino.
WOOD CARVINGS
9. Robinson Cook
Clayoquot Sound, trees in the rainforest, the flow of water, and First Nations mentorship have shaped Robinson Cook’s passion for woodcarving. Based out of a resurrected work shed on Strawberry Island, he uses exclusively Vancouver Island woods salvaged from the ocean and shoreline.
While he’s built a thriving business around handcrafted, custom cabinets and furniture for homes and local businesses, it’s sculpture that is his true love. Using Nuu-Chah-Nulth design influences, he’s earned a reputation as a true woodcarving artist with his unique bowls, free-standing pieces, and more.
10. Keith Plumley
In 1990, Keith Plumley arrived in Tofino with his antique lathe, originally used at a sawmill in the 1930s. One look at the massive trees in the local rainforests, and he modified his lathe to be able to create larger pieces.
Keith is renowned for his work with burls – the knotty, ‘birds-eye’ growths on the sides of trees that the lumber industry leaves behind. He crafts them into bowls, platters and art pieces of all shapes and sizes, but he is best known for his very large feast platters and wall hangings. His acclaimed work can be found in galleries and resorts in and around Tofino.
