Godfrey Stephens

Godfrey Rupert Cripps Stephens (born 28 October 1939) is a Canadian artist, best known for his protest sculpture Weeping Cedar Woman and large abstract wooden columns. His painting and sculpting style combines West Coast iconography from First Nations references to classical Greek and nautical elements.

Life and work

Godfrey Stephens was born in Duncan, British Columbia. As a boy, he began an influential relationship with First Nations carver Chief Mungo Martin and Tony Hunt and began carving. He dropped out of school at the age of 14. Mostly self-taught, living on his boats, Godfrey has painted and sculpted his whole life with no other occupation where they currently stand In 1971, at a ceremony to inaugurate the Pacific Rim Park, then Federal Parks Minister Jean Chretien presented Princess Anne with a small wooden abstract carving the Parks Board commissioned from Godfrey. In 1984, Godfrey carved Weeping Cedar Woman to protest the logging of the ancient trees of Clay'quot Sound. The 18 foot tall protest piece stayed on Strawberry Island for 17 years and is currently in Tofino, British Columbia. Godfrey has produced a large body of work including paintings, sculptures and sailing vessels. magazines, newspapers, and blogs. Lloyd Kahn credits Godfrey as the inspiration for his popular book Builders of the Pacific Coast by Shelter Publications. The book Wood Storms, Wild Canvas: The Art of Godfrey Stephens by Gurdeep Stephens focuses exclusively on highlights of Godfrey's art, with photos of over 100 carvings, paintings and sailing vessels.