Lionel Bedard
I am a local artist, born and raised in Ottawa. Always having been interested in wood, I purchased my first lathe nineteen years ago when I started woodturning. Eventually I progressed to a 24-inch swing lathe which gives me the opportunity to produce larger pieces.
I am always searching for great varieties of wood, domestic and exotic to turn functional as well as artistic pieces. I look for different shapes and forms to incorporate in my vases, bowls, platters and non-functional pieces. Natural edges as well as flaws in the wood are often used as features.
My pieces have won various prizes including First, Best in Show and People’s Choice at the Ottawa Wood Show competitions. For the many years I have participated in local studio tours and art shows. My work has been sold through the local art galleries including Da Artisti Gallery, Sea Hag Soap and Art Mercantile in Pennsylvania, and presented to dignitaries by Foreign Affairs Canada. In 2016 I was commissioned by the NCC to turn a time capsule using wood from the grounds of Rideau Hall. This piece is on display in the cafeteria at Rideau Hall. In 2018, several of my pieces found a home and are displayed in the six Official Residences of Canada.
For many years I have been a member of the American Association of Woodturners, attending the various symposiums and taking courses from renowned turners. I have served as President of the Bytown Woodturners and enjoy participating in our weekend workshops teaching and encouraging novice turners. I have also enjoyed doing various demonstrations for different woodturning clubs in Ontario as well as Montreal.