In 2015, I was asked to photograph a sculptor taking part in the exhibition project Emergence in Toronto. I had never heard of him before but always curious to meet a new artist, I showed up to his Adelaide Street address and stood in front of a solid door facing a back alley. I didn't know what to expect but once inside, I was transported to another world. The space was beautiful, it felt surreal; the privileged universe of an absolute creator.

Without Theo’s work in it, the 400 square foot space is a windowless box. Instead, it feels like a cocoon, an insulated place where the walls, the shelves, the lighting and tables are all part of Theo’s universe. They exist to display his paintings, his furniture, and most of all, his sculptures. A walk down to the equally small basement reveals his workshop; dramatically lit  by spotlights it allows him to sculpt and paint at all hours of the day and night.

In the 21 years Theo has lived here, he has managed to transform the space into a personal artist statement. Brancusi comes to mind, the father of modern abstract sculpture. It’s clear that Theo’s work has been influenced by the master. The space, also reminds me of Brancusi’s atelier willed to the city of Paris  (the entire contents  of sculptures, sketches, furniture, books, tools were moved and the space was faithfully reconstructed  outside the Pompidou Centre).

Born in Amsterdam, Theo studied fine arts in Toronto majoring in sculpture under Wyndhem Lawrence. He further apprenticed with sculptor, William McElcheran and received mentorship with stone carver, Leonard Oesterle. Theo gained experience in the lost wax process for bronze casting while working at Artcast Foundry.

The diversity of materials used by Theo is astonishing: wood, bronze, plaster, Matrix, stone, concrete. The shapes are pure and elementary and at times very complex.  The juxtaposition of two pieces often play against one another, creating tension between the shapes.

“The core of my work is to expose the beautiful balance that lives within ourselves...A perfect balance of the masculine and feminine, allowing the humanity to speak through the forms and layers of skin. With each breath comes a new level of understanding, a clear vision and a fearless execution.”

For me, the two pieces that exemplify Theo's work are Reclining Tulip and Orbit. The original tulip is carved from a single block of wood. It’s a marvel of intricate workmanship, elegance and balance. It has been cast in Bronze, an edition of 12. Orbit is a perfect shape . Each plane has been exquisitely sanded and calculated to perfection using a special plaster medium. It sits on an imperfect base, juxtaposing the two opposing sides of symmetry.  I also love all the monumental, heavy, concrete forms that dwarf everything else in the space. 

I have gotten to know Theo over the past 5 years. I am moved by is work but also by him, the artist, the man. There is so much present in Theo that challenges me; his kindness, his single mindedness, his vision. There is joy, laughter, sometimes sadness and struggle but always determination and passion. He is a complicated man and artist and I have a wish to see his work celebrated on his own terms.

Now 68, Theo is entering a new phase beyond the Adelaide studio where he lived and created for 21 years. Through serendipity, he is moving into a Thousand Island Heritage home located at the edge of Kingston, Ontario with Patricia Thornton, his partner in business and in life. The expansive rooms are bathed in light and the grounds are ideal to display his large-scale sculptures.

Joined in love and work, Patricia and I work together to give form to the themes of balance and counterbalance between the masculine and feminine. Plans are afoot. Together we are designing a plan to maintain the Adelaide studio as a pied-a-terre and a place in the city to exhibit the art, a lasting treasure amidst the coming new property development.

And like the times we live in, so full of changes and uncertainty, there will be room in Theo’s new space for transformation and I look forward to discovering the next chapter of his life’s work.

Theo’s work has been featured in all our The Soulfood pop up shows.

theowillemse.com