Cape Breton Artist Receives 2005 Grand Pré Prize

A sculptor who uses the traditional tools of chisel and knife to carve pieces of wood into works of art has been recognized for his depictions of the province's Acadian experience.

Cape Breton sculptor William Roach, is the recipient of the 2005 Grand Pré Prize.

Chris d'Entremont, Minister of Acadian Affairs, presented Mr. Roach with an award of $1,500 today, Sept. 23 at the Grou Tyme Festival in Halifax.

"William Roach is a talented Nova Scotia artist whose work depicts the province's traditional Acadian culture," said Mr. d'Entremont. "Through his work, he interprets and shares the Acadian experience with the world."

The award, which is issued every two years, was established in 1987 to recognize Nova Scotia artists whose work reflects Acadian cultural values and traditions, while demonstrating excellence and originality. The prize may be awarded for performing arts and film, visual arts and crafts, or literary arts.

Mr. Roach is an Acadian artist, born, raised and still living in Cheticamp. He is self-taught and made the decision to start a full-time artistic practice in 1988.

The use of chisel and knife to carve pieces of wood into small gifts is an Acadian tradition. Mr. Roach continues using the hand-hewn method, making the conscious decision not to use powered tools.

"I find that each piece of wood is already something waiting to be liberated," he said. "I just carve a little here and there, and all of a sudden, life comes into it. The wood becomes what it was supposed to be."

His work is whimsical and lively, always vibrantly coloured and always original. The sculptures, in their method of creation and subject matter, speak of the Acadian experience as it has been and as it is today.

Mr. Roach's sculptures are in collections around the world. He has told his story in numerous television and radio interviews and his art work has been represented in more than 10 publications. In 2002, Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson requested a private audience with Mr. Roach at his studio in Cheticamp.