Unlike some artists, North Saanich’s Peter Demchuk doesn’t have a background in art and began carving on his own.
His first was a single giraffe, inspired by his wife. When he retired about 15 years ago, he told his wife Kathy that he would carve her a giraffe, as she thought of buying some art work from a man out in Qualicum Beach who created folk art.
“That was the first thing I carved,” he said, adding that he does a few giraffes a year, along with other animals, fish and bowls.
“It’s a good hobby for me … it’s fun to do.”
He said folk art is a bit impressionistic, not as much realistic, but it’s something that’s fun.
“I really do like to make people smile with what I do,” he said.
His pieces are made up of found wood or anything he can scrounge up. He said he has lately been carving fish. He added he created similar work that was at the Sidney Fine Art Show two years ago. He called that ‘fine carving’.
Demchuk said he pulls inspiration from many things, including his wife.
“I’m always looking for ideas and I’ve always been interested in nature for sure, and I do get encouragement from my wife a lot,” he said, adding she’s an artist as well. “It’s something we can do together.”
The two participate in a few shows together throughout the year and will both have their work in the upcoming Saanich Peninsula Arts and Crafts Society’s show (SPAC) at the end of April at the Mary Winspear Centre. They will also be at the Community Arts Centre at Tulista Park in June.
To view their various work, visit www.demchuk.ca.
