About Leslie Dycke

My Story

I am a self-taught ceramist and sculptor whose work has developed through an ongoing exploration of materials and form. Over the years, I have worked with wood, metal, mixed media, bronze, raku ceramics, and pit-fired clay. Today, I work predominantly in stone.

Born in Abbotsford, British Columbia, in 1955, I grew up in a household of artists. My father, mother, brother, and two sisters each pursued their own creative work. That early exposure to art helped nurture the curiosity and imagination that would later find expression in my sculpture.

After studying mathematics at the University of British Columbia, I spent several years backpacking through the United States, South America, Asia, and the Middle East. I supported my travels through a variety of jobs, taking opportunities to keep exploring before returning to Canada.

Seeing Isamu Noguchi’s Black Sun was a defining moment in my life. Its powerful simplicity, monumental form, and the way it framed the surrounding landscape showed me how sculpture could transform both space and perception. That experience awakened my desire to become an artist and inspired a lifelong commitment to sculpture.

I believe some of the finest carving stone can be found in Canada. I have personally prospected for stone, seeking materials that offer the greatest range of artistic expression and freedom. Marble, granite, onyx, jade, and alabaster are among the stones I use, with many of my materials sourced in British Columbia.

My artwork has been exhibited internationally, from Vancouver, British Columbia, to London, England; Tokyo, Japan; and Managua, Nicaragua. My sculptures can be found in banks, hospitals, and private and corporate collections. My creative work has also been featured in film and television productions, including Superman: The Movie (1978), The Outer Limits, and The X-Files.

I now live in Mission, British Columbia, with my wife, Laura, and daughter, Sarah. Through continued study, research, disciplined practice, and the knowledge shared by those around me, I strive to become the best artist I can be. My hope is that others find as much enjoyment in my creations as I find in making them.

My Approach

I begin with a clear vision of the finished piece. For me, the process is one of finding the right stone and releasing the vision within it. I remain attentive to the material’s colour, texture, structure, and natural markings as I carve.

Working primarily through direct carving, I seek a balance between expressive form and the natural character of the stone. The contrast between rugged surfaces and carefully polished curves reveals both the history of the material and the hand of the artist. My aim is to create sculpture that offers a lasting sense of beauty, presence, and connection.