Page 10 - Giv'er Miramichi Magazine - Spring Giver 2023

A Passion for Learning:

The Creative Journey of Gerard Godin By Stacy Underhill

Gerard Godin has dreamed of being an artist ever since
he was a five-year-old boy living in Miramichi.
It was during the summer of 1962 when his mother's
closest friend presented him with a paint-by-number set that
Gerard’s passion for art was ignited. His lifelong pursuit of
art and learning began that day, and he recalls some of the
earlier art mentors he had growing up. “Pauline Losier,
mom's friend, took care of old Jimmy Dunn who lived in the
big, old house overlooking Ritchie Wharf. I got to visit him,
and he was one of the first people to encourage me and to
recognize my talent. Later, I studied with a Quebec artist who
lived in the Miramichi Valley High School.” says Godin.
Gerard was raised around talented influences; his mother
sang in the Miramichi Folksong Festival in English and in
French, and made crafts, sewed, and baked wonderful
pastries. His godparents, the late Maisy Mitchell and Vince
Mitchell were important figures in his life. “They opened my
mind to a world of possibilities,” Gerard says. North-shore Sunrise NB, Acrylic.
After living in Toronto for 32 years, Gerard Godin now created sculptures in plaster, bronze, resins, wood, and many
has a home and studio, Studio 12, in Douglastown. “I grew other materials. I even got to work in jewellery design,
up here and it feels good to be home and reconnect with creating works in precious metals and stones. I consider
family, friends and the province,” Gerard says. myself a better sculpture than painter. Practicing my craft is
After seeing photos of Gerard’s paintings and sculptures, the best training. I'm always learning, and I hope I always
I had the opportunity to ask him a few questions about his can.”
inspirations and journey as an artist. What inspires you as an artist?
What styles or mediums do you work in? “I get inspiration from everywhere: living and having
“I like to experiment and really learn and play with styles adventures, my friends, nature, especially the flowers, water,
and mediums. Over the last 50 years, I started with crayons, and sky. I enjoy interacting with other artists to see what they
water colour, oils, and then acrylics. In 2000 in Toronto, I are doing and to learn and be inspired by them. And of
got the rare opportunity, to join the Al Green Sculpture Studio course, the wonderful artists who came before me. I love the
& School, where I greatly expanded my use of mediums. I

A bust of The Honourable Justice George E. Carter, the first
Bouctouche Gardens, Acrylic. Canadian-born black judge, in Patinated Bronze.

10 www.GiverMiramichi.com Spring 2023