Theo Willemse

Born in Amsterdam, Theo Willemse studied fine arts in Toronto, majoring in sculpture under Wyndhem Lawrence.  He further apprenticed with sculptor, William McElcheron and received mentorship with stone carver, Leonard Oesterle.  Theo gained experience in the lost wax process for bronze casting while working at Artcast Foundry. He later taught sculpture at The Koffler Centre.  Theo Willemse is highly developed in multiple disciplines which is evident in his extensive array of sculptural, furniture, painting and design projects found both nationally and internationally.  Since 1971, Theo Willemse has shown his work in group and solo exhibitions in Canada and has been represented by Gallery House Sol, Merton, Koffler, Contempra, Spazio Dell’Arte and Sheldon Rose galleries in Toronto.  His work is part of several private and corporate collections in the US and Europe.

The art of Theo Willemse gives free rein to his audience’s imagination. His serene, organic sculptures and paintings invite contemplation of dramas in abstract stylized anatomy – human, tree and animal. His artwork and design attain a high degree of finish utilizing an array of materials to express his narrations in layered monochromatic forms.