Artists directory

Michelle

duQuesnay

Michelle duQuesnay is a Canadian sculptor and multidisciplinary artist whose work explores the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world. She combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary sculptural approaches to create pieces that invite wonder, curiosity, and reflection. Rooted in a deep relationship with the landscapes, waterways, and ecosystems, her practice is informed by observation, exploration, and a commitment to environmental stewardship. Birds, mammals, native species, and ecological relationships frequently emerge as subjects and metaphors within her work. Through carving, casting, and mixed-media processes, she seeks to reveal both the resilience and fragility of the living world while celebrating the stories that connect people to place. Michelle’s sculptures often inhabit a space between the familiar and the imagined, balancing representation with narrative openness. Rather than presenting fixed interpretations, her work invites viewers to bring their own experiences, memories, and meanings to each piece. Themes of coexistence, adaptation, belonging, and transformation recur throughout her practice, reflecting her belief that humans are participants within nature rather than separate from it. A graduate of OCAD University, Michelle creates decorative, functional, semi-functional, and wearable sculptural works that bridge art, craft, and environmental storytelling. Alongside her studio practice, she is an active organic gardener and advocate for biodiversity and habitat restoration. These experiences continually inform her creative process, fostering a practice grounded in observation, place, and a sense of ecological responsibility. Through her work, Michelle aims to create spaces for connection, contemplation, and renewed appreciation of the intricate relationships that sustain life.

Disciplines: Sculpture

Location: Elora

Materials: Bronze, Carving, Casting, Felting, Found, Objects, Modelling, Woodwork, Silver
Michelle duQuesnay is a Canadian sculptor and multidisciplinary artist whose work explores the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world. She combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary sculptural approaches to create pieces that invite wonder, curiosity, and reflection. Rooted in a deep relationship with the landscapes, waterways, and ecosystems, her practice is informed by observation, exploration, and a commitment to environmental stewardship. Birds, mammals, native species, and ecological relationships frequently emerge as subjects and metaphors within her work. Through carving, casting, and mixed-media processes, she seeks to reveal both the resilience and fragility of the living world while celebrating the stories that connect people to place. Michelle’s sculptures often inhabit a space between the familiar and the imagined, balancing representation with narrative openness. Rather than presenting fixed interpretations, her work invites viewers to bring their own experiences, memories, and meanings to each piece. Themes of coexistence, adaptation, belonging, and transformation recur throughout her practice, reflecting her belief that humans are participants within nature rather than separate from it. A graduate of OCAD University, Michelle creates decorative, functional, semi-functional, and wearable sculptural works that bridge art, craft, and environmental storytelling. Alongside her studio practice, she is an active organic gardener and advocate for biodiversity and habitat restoration. These experiences continually inform her creative process, fostering a practice grounded in observation, place, and a sense of ecological responsibility. Through her work, Michelle aims to create spaces for connection, contemplation, and renewed appreciation of the intricate relationships that sustain life.

Previous Experience

Michelle has exhibited extensively in juried, group, and solo exhibitions across Canada. Recent exhibitions include the 2026 Elora Sculpture Project and the 2026 Downtown Haliburton Sculpture Exhibition, featuring large-scale public sculptures installed in outdoor settings. Selected exhibition highlights include exhibitions at the Elora Center for the Arts, the Canadian Sculpture Centre, Arta Gallery, John B. Aird Gallery, and the The Artist Project.

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