Marcel Guay. Sculptor. Woodcarver. Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, Quebec. Active mid to late 20th century.
Marcel Guay was considered one of the master flat-plane carvers of St-Jean-Port-Joli in the 1970’s and 1980’s. After studying for 4 years at the studio of Andre Bourgault he opened a studio with two other former pupils, Noel Guay – his brother and Maurice Harvey. Marcel Guay specialized in carving Quebec people at work and play; from the farm fields to playing checkers. He became well known and often accepted commissions. A commissioned work is shown below.He always signed his work – with a stamp and/or a chisel on the base.
It should be noted that, like the Bourgaults before him, Marcel Guay often had students working under him learning woodcarving. Their work is sometimes seen with the imprint “Atelier Marcel Guay” and no other mark. If it is by Marvel Guay himself, it will be signed with his name and usually with a chisel.
Abraham Lincoln by Marcel Guay:
Carving of Abraham Lincoln. Marcel Guay.
The marks of Marcel Guay:
Abraham Lincoln. Marcel Guay Mark with chisel.
In script and the stamp on the base with the date:
Abraham Lincoln Marcel Guay. The Mark in script.
From ‘Le Guide des Artisans Createurs du Quebec. 1972 ed. pg 200:
From Le Guide des Artisans Createurs du Quebec. 1972 Ed.
Ref: A short film in French with Marcel Guay by la Société québécoise d’ethnologie:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FidNPnPgIv4
From their excellent series of films: ‘Les artistes en art populaire de Charlevoix’:
http://ethnologiequebec.org/categorie/videos/
Ref: Le Guide des Artisans Createurs du Quebec. J. P. Payette, Editions La Press, 1972.
