Biography

Joe Jbeily sculptor

Born in Lebanon, I have called Canada home for over 30 years. My love affair with art began when I was nine and while studying art and sociology, sculpture dominated my youth. With its rich symbolism and history, olive wood quickly took centre stage in my sculptures for numerous years.

Despite my numerous business projects and diverse interests, sculpture has remained an unwavering passion. Today I joyfully devote even more time to this life-long passion.

Alive and captivating, wood remains a magical source of inspiration. Exploring the shapes inflicted by time and the elements, I coax wood into sharing its story in ways that echo the physical and psychological human condition.

I took interest in the wood found at the bottom of the lake on my property, submerged for more than a century. This raw material serves as a metaphor for buried memories rising to the surface. I salvage, dry and then study them for hours before beginning their metamorphosis, introducing metal or other types of wood to embellish their tale and add a unique style.

To preserve their beauty, I apply a glossy, crystalline finish that not only intensifies the wood’s natural grain and colour, but also protects the sculpture, rendering it durable and non-flammable. Skilled at the art of mold-making, I also cast some of my works in bronze.

ACTIVE MEMBRE
2015: Professional membre of the RAAV (Regroupement des artistes en arts visuels du Québec)
2014: Associated membre of the Conseil de la Sculpture du Québec

ASSOCIATIONS
Membre of Atelier 213
Membre of ALPAP in Laval
Membre of Com2art in France
Membre of Atelier de sculpteurs Jean-Louis Émond

AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Recognition award for my participation at the Symposium of Monumental Sculptures “Marcheur d’étoiles” in Lac-Mégantic – September 2014

SNBA 2011 special award for sculptures Mûre and Aîné at the exposition at the Carrousel du Louvre, Paris, France – December 8-11, 2011