Name: Patrick Imai
Medium: stone (soapstone, alabaster, serpentine, marble)
Background: self-taught; took 2 years of art in high school and did a 2 week marble carving workshop in Carrara, Italy
How long have you been a sculptor? I have been a stone sculptor for 14 years. Before I carved stone, I carved wood for almost 30 years.
Why did you start sculpting? I have always carved. I had my first pocket knife when I was 11 years old and started whittling small figures and animals out of wood. I remember sitting in class and carving totem poles out of pencils.
What inspires you? I am inspired by nature and people.
What is your favourite sculpture? My favourite sculpture is Bernini’s Pluto and Persephone. Bernini’s ability to bring movement and life to marble is incredible.
Which sculptures will you be exhibiting at Dimensions 2013? Two brown bears made of Brazilian soapstone – “Sleepy” and “Leaving”
What will you be working on in the coming year? I will be carving more bears.
National Capital Network of Sculptors 