Vince Bomberry
Artist Biography - Born 1958
Born at Six Nations, Ontario of Cayuga provenance, Vince Bomberry made wooden carvings since he was 8 years old. While growing up he was surrounded by artisans and carvers on the reserve who anticipated his working in sculpture. At 12-13 years old he was influenced by traditional Iroquois masks and sold his first carving. He continues to develop his artistic talents in soapstone, steatite, Brazilian stone as well as marble.
Taking inspiration from his culture, family and children, Vince was always surrounded by artists. His wife, Eunice and two of his four children, Cyril (18) and Valene (19) are also involved carvers, each belonging to the Deer Clan. This network of carvers helps Vince nurture his artistic talents. As well, he provides technical assistance and has the unassuming nature not to interrupt, nor interfere with their work.
Vince Bomberry’s work is very strong in symbolism and his style is impressionistic. The imagery from his Iroquois heritage gives reference to the medicine and spiritual spheres such as the false faces. The impressions in stone are like those of Henry Moore expressions; strong, powerful much like his physical presence. When carving, Vince admits that image can be seen in the stone. At times this image shifts and changes. While working, stones that change can present an advantage or disadvantage, depending on how the image is worked by his hand and tools.
Vince has collaborated extensively with other artists, namely Inuit carver Manasie Akpaliapik, with whom he shares many Indigenous cultural experiences. From this fellowship he learnt the technique of inlaying. Aside from carving, Vince lends himself to other traditional and cultural activities in Six Nations.
Vince Bomberry’s sculptures are present in a large number of public galleries as well as in private collections throughout North America and Europe.
PUBLIC COLLECTIONS:
Canadian Museum of History, Gatineau
National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, Six Nations of the Grand River
Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Thunder Bay
Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto
Seneca Iroquois National Museum, New York
Woodland Cultural Centre, Brantford
Grimsby Public Gallery
