The Arborist

About The Arborist

This indoor table top figurative sculpture of a male is cast in bronze.

The artwork of Canadian artist Roch Smith is known for his imaginative and playful approach. He has even produced an entire series of hand forged pieces based on the popular toy figures of his youth. But, the intent behind every fun piece he creates often speaks to more serious issues. Smith wants you to think about his work. He likes to explore themes that are inspired by nature, that reveal something about our lives in both work and play.
This sculpture features a man, casually dressed, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a large branch in the air. His face has a serious expression and he is looking directly at the viewer. What is Smith saying about the arborist?

“Over the years it feels as though the figures I create have their own distinct personalities - I often think about the idea of identity and how we construct our identities and either allow or hide parts of who we are. At the outset I'll have a concept or image but as I undergo the process of making I often end up constructing narratives about the figures as I work on them - like having a conversation with them as I work on them.” Roch Smith

Roch Smith received a BFA (Honours Sculpture) from the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design (ECIAD - 1997) and an MFA from York University (2003). A teacher as well as an artist, he has taught classes at the University of Waterloo, ECIAD and York University. He currently manages and operates the bronze and aluminum foundry at York University. Roch Smith has exhibited throughout Canada and in the US. His work is included in private, corporate and museum collections.