Journey to Quebec City: Art, Adventure, and Reflection

Two weeks ago, I embarked on a journey to Quebec City, a place I hold dear as both an artist and admirer of its vibrant culture. My destination was La Belle Galerie, nestled in the heart of the Old Port. This gallery, aptly named “The Beautiful Gallery,” has become a creative home for me, a space where I showcase and sell my work.

This marked my fourth visit to the gallery. Twice before, I had the privilege of performing live carving demonstrations during festive events that bring the Old Port to life. These evenings buzz with energy—street performers captivating crowds, art displays spilling into the streets, and the mingling of light-hearted spirits. These events have been both professionally rewarding, helping me connect with repeat collectors, and personally enriching, as I thrive in the lively artistic atmosphere.

This recent trip, however, was for the gallery’s annual vernissage, signaling the start of a new season and the influx of summer tourism. It’s a pivotal time for sales and a chance to immerse myself in the rhythm of the city. Though the drive is far from light—nine hours, plus navigating Toronto traffic—it’s always worth it.

Along the way, I took a detour to St. Aubert, where a unique opportunity awaited: a massive 800-pound block of limestone. Perched on a steep hill by a lakeside cottage, it belonged to a 90-year-old artist who could no longer work on it. There was a bittersweetness to taking this piece of stone. It carried the history of an artist’s life—a man who balanced his passion for art with a career in banking. Now, it’s in my hands, ready to be transformed into something new.

Getting it onto my trailer was no small feat. The hill was the steepest I’ve ever climbed, and the descent to the cottage garage was even steeper. With the help of an engine hoist (and a few creative maneuvers), I managed to load the stone. Driving up that hill with the weight of the trailer and stone was a triumph—my RAV4 Hybrid AWD didn’t let me down.

This journey reminded me of something my late high school art teacher, Al Wright, once said: “To become a master, you have to make a million mistakes.” Every experience, every challenge, and every stone I carve is part of that journey. While I didn’t make any critical mistakes this time, there’s always room for improvement and learning.

For me, this wasn’t just a trip—it was another chapter in the lifelong pursuit of artistic mastery. Now, back in the studio and slightly behind schedule, I’m ready to get to work. As always, what one does on their vacation time says a lot about their passion. Here’s to another day, another stone, and another step forward.