About the artist
In 2001 Al was laid off from his job at RKO Steel and began his journey to becoming an artist. His hardworking reputation and never-say-can’t attitude was known throughout the West Hants area and people began to come to him for metal working projects they needed for their homes and businesses. The first step in this new phase of his career was through the Self Employment Benefit Program which provides support, training and financial assistance to entrepreneurs ready to start their own business.
Avon River Metalworks was first focused on practical and architectural designs, both commercial and residential. Al became intrigued with a more artistic style when he was asked to incorporate iris blooms into a metal handrail. Thorough research and an eye for detail allowed him to turn a functional piece into a work of art. From there he found inspiration for his decorative sculptures in his own backyard and throughout the beautiful Annapolis Valley region of Nova Scotia.
From stalks of corn to regal herons and delicate grapes to enormous monuments, Al enjoys the challenge of sculpting metal into long lasting practical designs and artistic representations of nature with signature details that beg for an up close look. His open air gallery is a featured stop in the Nova Scotia artisan Studio Rally guide and some of his commissioned work can be found throughout the town of Windsor.
Avon River Metalworks was first focused on practical and architectural designs, both commercial and residential. Al became intrigued with a more artistic style when he was asked to incorporate iris blooms into a metal handrail. Thorough research and an eye for detail allowed him to turn a functional piece into a work of art. From there he found inspiration for his decorative sculptures in his own backyard and throughout the beautiful Annapolis Valley region of Nova Scotia.
From stalks of corn to regal herons and delicate grapes to enormous monuments, Al enjoys the challenge of sculpting metal into long lasting practical designs and artistic representations of nature with signature details that beg for an up close look. His open air gallery is a featured stop in the Nova Scotia artisan Studio Rally guide and some of his commissioned work can be found throughout the town of Windsor.
In one of the many highlights of his career he traveled with his family to Belgium in 2017 to install The Canada Gate, a memorial to Canadian soldiers who fought in the Battle of Passchendaele.
Al lives and works at his home in Falmouth, Nova Scotia with his wife Krista and their daughter Mia.
Al lives and works at his home in Falmouth, Nova Scotia with his wife Krista and their daughter Mia.
