Where: Municipal Hall, 750 17th Street, West Vancouver

Artist statement:

Inspiration struck when I stumbled across an old boat tucked away in an unused boat shed. Sunlight streamed through cracks in its siding, highlighting the dust in the air while casting streams of light and shadows over the worn wood and peeling paint of this sleeping beauty. Who built it, and why was it built? How has necessity defined its shape and function? 

As a boatbuilder, I have chosen to preserve old wooden boats as my career. I am fascinated by their historic value, an intrigue that draws me into a careful study of their build and design. Many of the boat images I create come from the inspiration of working on the vessels themselves or from the historic roles they played in the past. 

Intrigued by the myriad of hull shapes, styles, and construction methods, I find true beauty and joy in using artistic license to capture the essence of the boat in my paintings through light and color.

Artist bio:

Tony Grove is a passionate explorer and creator with a diverse career that spans various artistic pursuits. After completing a four-year boatbuilding apprenticeship in 1980, Tony honed his skills as a shipwright specializing in restoring and constructing wooden boats. Collaborating with companies and clients along the West Coast, Tony showcased his expertise and craftsmanship.

Beyond boatbuilding, Tony delved into the realms of commercial illustration and artistry. His pieces graced the pages of magazines and captivated clients in Vancouver. Notably, in 1989, Tony embarked on an impactful project, illustrating a book for the United Nations in collaboration with the FAO. Translated into multiple languages and distributed worldwide, the book solidified Tony's influence as an artist.

Sharing his knowledge brought Tony great joy. He contributed articles to various publications, delivered lectures to diverse groups, and offered consultations on boat interior design and construction. In 1999, Tony left Vancouver and joined the Silva Bay Shipyard School on Gabriola Island as an instructor. By 2003, he became the head instructor, teaching traditional boatbuilding and ship cabinetry/joinery.

In 2005, Tony embraced a new chapter in his career. He now works independently as an artist, writer, part-time teacher, custom woodworker, and boatbuilder. His home shop, nestled among the trees on Gabriola Island, serves as a sanctuary for his creative endeavors. Tony's multifaceted career reflects his unwavering dedication to his craft and his relentless pursuit of artistic expression.