Untitled
Unknown Date
Painted Wood
Man: 38.8 x 8.5 x 8 cm
Woman: 38.1 x 9 x 8.3 cm
The Artist
Born in 1910 in Demers Centre (Allumette Island), Albert Demers began to carve figurines of people and animals from an early age, which he sold at the market in Pembroke (Ontario).
His interest in wood carving was inspired by wildlife and his surroundings. From 1930-1960, Demers was recognized by collectors, many of whom were celebrities, for his talent in animal sculptures. His main clients were tourists from both Canada and the United States.
With his talent finally recognized, Demers leaned towards creating religious sculptures, or sculptures resembling celebrities, shop signs and murals.
Because of health reasons, Demers’ sculpture days were limited. He died on March 29, 1989, leaving behind an exceptional and abundant number of sculpted works.
Although we do not know the full extent of his work, some notables are: the sculptures of the Dionne Quintuplets (1937); of the Virgin Mary flanked by angels (Ottawa Marian Congress, 1947); the King and Queen (Royal Tour of Canada, 1939); and murals in the house of Al Capone (Chicago, circa 1930) and Clark Gable.
