Martin Schatz. Sculptor. Woodcarver. Ontario. Active 2000 -.

Possibly of Mennonite origin; Martin Schatz’ mark can be seen on carvings found in Ontario. A signed carving is shown below. It is delightful; full of detail, ‘as found’ materials and considerable humour.

A signed carving of a Prospector with his gear, tools, tent and supper in the form of a very large fish:

A more detailed picture with his mark:

Martin Schatz. sculptor. Woodcarver. Ontario.

John Sorenson. Painter. Mallorytown, Ontario. Active 2000- .

A painting by John Sorenson:

Oil on Canvas by John Sorensen Mallorytown, Ontario.

Ira Armstrong. Sculptor. Woodcarver. Sarnia, Ontario. Active 1920’s.

Ira Armstrong was known to make carvings of farm wagons. He worked in Lambton County, Ontario. His carvings were naïve and primitive and detailed, making use of nails for the eyes of the horses and men and they were  painted with ‘as found colours. An example of a hay wagon with the farmer and his dog is shown below.

A carving by Ira Armstrong of a farmer on his hay wagon:

Ira Armstrong, Sarnia, Ont. Sculptor. Woodcarver.

Bill Sheckler. Sculptor. Woodcarver. Ontario. Active late 20th century.

Bill Sheckler’s mark can be seen on very fine carvings of Birds found in Western Ontario.  They are signed and dated them on the base of the carvings. I have no other information about the artist other than he is or was from Ontario.

A carving of a Brown Thresher signed with the date ‘1990’:

Bill Sheckler. Brown Thresher. 

The Mark:

Bill Sheckler Mark.

Alex (?). Sculptor. Woodcarver. Eastern Ontario. Active mid 20th century.

Naive painted carvings of people are occasionally found in Eastern Ontario – between Ottawa and Cornwall – that are signed simply “Alex”. They are very fine naive painted carvings – painted in ‘as found’ colours – and date from the period 1930’s – 1950’s. They are usually smaller carvings; from 5 to 7 inches tall. Nothing else is known yet about this artist.

Two carvings by Alex. Lady in Yellow:

Alex. Lady with yellow Apron.

Red Haired Man:

Alex. Red Haired Man in Blue.