George Ouimette

George has been making things for as long as he can remember. He strives to create things that are unique to his surroundings and himself. Current works are one-of-a-kind vessels or sculpture-based pieces. 

In 1977 he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a BS in Broad Area Art Education. The first two years of college he focused on drawing and printing but was unknowingly lured to the three-dimensional side of art while taking courses such as fibers, glass and sculpture. Taking a clay class was the final push, but there was the realization that he could combine his 2-D experiences with his 3-D capabilities. His focus changed. Acquiring knowledge in both the two and three-dimensional areas of art has allowed a mixed media approach to his work. 

Since 1977 George’s work has been juried and invited into exhibits, fairs, and galleries in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and California resulting in awards and acquisitions for private collections and institutions. George’s recent shows in 2025 include the Hardy Gallery’s 63rd Annual Wall-to-Wall Juried Exhibit (Honorable Mention) and the Neuville Public Museum’s 80th Art Annual juried exhibition (Honorable Mention). 

I use clay in combination with other media such as wood, metal, or paper to create a one-of-a-kind sculptural piece. Although the sculpture is primarily clay, it is often the other mediums that set the tone for what the clay will do.

Branches are collected while walking in the woods with my dogs Max and Dani. The branches suggest interesting lines or negative spaces between the parting of a branch in which clay shapes or forms can be built. This begins the process. There are many possibilities, and it is really just a matter of deciding which direction to go.
 
Various clays, building techniques, finishes, and firing techniques are used depending upon the image envisioned for the piece. Assemblage of sculptural work takes as much time as building the clay form. That final step is combining the wood to the clay using wooden or steel pins and pegs to fulfill my vision.

My main concern is that walking partners Max and Dani might get to the sticks before I do.