Guy Bel, born in Lyon (France), is a self-taught art-metal
worker impassioned by traditional techniques, with a background in studies at
the École des Beaux Arts in Lyon and training in sheet metal work. His
experience has served him well in his search for excellence.
His work may be found everywhere in Québec and elsewhere in
Canada, at the historic sites of Louisbourg in Nova Scotia, Fort Chambly and
Fort Lennox in Saint Paul on Île aux Noix. In Québec, he completed art-metal
work at the Artillery Park and on Île d'Orléans at the Mauvide-Genest manor
house.
For Guy Bel, nothing is more motivating than taking on a job
that many deem impossible. Metal work offers so many possibilities that he
never gets bored. In his opinion, the prize he won in the "Coup de Cœur du
Public Visa Desjardins 2000", contest held during the Salon des Métiers
d'Art du Québec in Montréal is the best recognition that an artist can obtain.
His mastery of a traditional trade that is slowly dying out
makes him an ideal candidate for special events. From Arizona where he was
invited by the ABANA (Artist Blacksmith Association of North America) to New
York or Puilly in Switzerland, his participation is always appreciated by
connoisseurs.
In April 1999, Canada Post issued a series of eight stamps
honouring the trades and know-how of artisans across Canada. The two-cent stamp
represents a hammer held in a grip of steel hitting a piece of red-hot metal on
an anvil. The hand on the stamp is that of Guy Bel, master blacksmith, who has
been producing unique artwork for more than a quarter of a century in his
workshop on Île d'Orléans.
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