ARTIST PROFILE
Mike Brouillette
Mike Brouillette, a local carver, was born in Buffalo, New York. He has lived in the Mohave Dessert and Toronto before moving to the Sault. He has traveled over most of North American by hitchhiking, walking, and boxcars. In 1986, he spent the winter along the shores of Gong Lake. This is where his first carving, an otter, was created out of moose bone.
Mike has carved using soapstone, alabaster, wood, bone, and sandstone. His attention to detail, flowing lines, and fresh interpretation draws attention to his work. Most of the work that Mike does is done by commission.
When Mike Brouillette begins a piece, he can see the finished product as he looks at the stone or tree trunk. Then, as he explains it, all he has to do is take away the rest of the material, refine it, and it is complete. He is able to create any species of animal or object. It can be done from a realistic point of view or with a sense of humour, in any size, using wood or stone.
You will see Mike's work throughout our lovely city. Our downtown displays the pride and majesty of the Bull Moose, as he guards over the Cow and Calf, and touches a sensitive part of us about family, nature and important things like being together, helping, and loving. At City Hall, you will find a Voyageur Canoe depicting determination, hard work, and our history. On the boardwalk, you will find local residents and tourists posing for photographs with the Family of Fishing Bears.
Our waterfront leaves tourists with a very positive, lasting impression of the Sault. It has become a place where they can renew energy, relax, and unwind. Mike Brouillette's talent brings happiness, awe and magic to people's lives again and again. This is clear when thousands of people reminisce about their visit to Sault Ste. Marie and share their photo albums, videos,and postcards with loved ones and friends.
Carving is Mike's life. He shares his talents by working with patients at the Sault Memorial Psychiatric Hospital providing Art Therapy. This has been a very rewarding experience for Mike.
We are indeed fortunate to have Mike Brouillette's work in our
community and around the world.
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