BRUNO W. TOMEI
Born in Schefferville, Quebec, Bruno Tomei now lives and works in Granby, Quebec. A self-taught artist, he also received three years of professional guidance from a recognized artist and gallery owner.
His journey is marked by key experiences: exhibiting his sculptures in two Quebec museums (the Musée Acadien de Bonaventure and the Musée Amérindien in Saint-Hilaire), spending six years with the prestigious Galerie Guy Bourget in Old Montreal, and being invited to the Mamu Symposium in Sept-Îles, where he exhibited alongside artists from Canada’s First Nations.
His dedication goes beyond artistic creation: Bruno contributes to fundraisers, donates works to his community, and organizes raffles to make his art accessible to everyone. His style, imbued with sensitivity and tribal symbolism, reflects the influence of animal totems and First Nations culture, giving life to works that are both powerful and deeply spiritual.
ARTISTIC CURRICULUM VITAE
Education
Self-taught
Languages spoken
French and English
Professional representation
2024-, Galerie Blu Dog Art (Oakville,ont)
2018-2023, Galerie Le Bourget (vieux Port montreal)
2017-2023, Atelier Zunik,Bonaventure QC
2017-2018, Galerie Lamoureux-Ritzenhoff, Montréal, Qc(vieux Port Montreal )
2016-2017, La Salle de Montre,Granby QC
2016, Galerie L’imprévu, Port-Daniel, Qc
2017-2018, Galerie L'Anse-à-Beaufils, Anse-à-Bonfils, Qc
2018, Galerie Espace Blanc, Bromont, QC
2012, Galerie TrafalG Art ,Bromont QC
Solo exhibitions
2020-2025, Maison Greenwood ,Cowansville QC
2016, Atelier 19,salle Boreart, Granby QC
2014, La légende d’Omawnack, Musée Acadien, Bonaventure, Qc
2013, La légende d’Omawnack, Maison Amérindienne, St-Hilaire, Qc
2012-2013, La Petrie, Bonaventure QC
2010, « ANIMOUKS », Vaisseau d’ART ,Gaspé, Qc
Group exhibition
2019, Structu Ales St-Sauveur Qc
2020, Symposium Mamu Sept-iles qc
2020, journée de la culture Cowansville Qc
2019, Nuit Blanche Montreal Galerie Le Bourget (vieux Montreal)
2016, Festival Milton Art,Ste-Cécile de Milton QC
2013, ALCHIMUK, Evénement Culturel, Site du Musée Acadien, Bonaventure,qc
2012, exposition Soufle au Cœur,Maria,Qc
2012, Galerie @ Gabriel, Bonaventure, Qc
2012-2013, « Festival du Bois Flotté », exposant et animateur d’atelier sur le bois flotté, St-Anne-des-Monts, Qc
2012, «Les encadreurs du souffle », Maria, Qc
Public and private collections
2025-, Fondation Camp de vacance Estrie
2016-2017, Cancer Testiculaire du Canada ,Montreal Qc
2016-2025, en continuité don sur mon réseau socio Facebook ( donne une pièce a ceux qui me suivre sur forme de tirage) de 2 a 3 fois par année
2013, Mission Sourire d’Afrique avec Dr. Louise Laberge de l’Hôpital Ste-Justine de Montréal, (projet d’exposition en duo - lieu et date à déterminer.)
ARTISTIC STATEMENT
Bruno Tomei is a self-taught artist and wood archaeologist, guided by intuition and a profound spiritual quest. His geographical and emotional roots lie in Canada’s Far North, a landscape that has shaped his deep connection to nature, his perception of the living world, and his sensitivity to its vast landscapes. Through his artistic practice, he explores the relationship between human beings, the cycles of nature, and a form of spirituality embodied in matter. His artistic journey is part of a personal transformation inspired by his encounter with the worldview of the First Nations of North America. Nurtured by their teachings, his work also emerges as an act of gratitude toward this philosophy of life.
His work unfolds through several series, including Animouks, Pesca, and Polaire, each exploring, through a distinct visual language, the relationship between animals, nature, and the memory of place. Whether working in sculpture, relief, or painting on natural materials, he favors reclaimed and found materials, embracing an environmentally conscious practice that respects natural cycles.
Since the age of twenty-five, he has been creating driftwood animal totems, which he calls the Animouks. His creative process begins with daily walks along the seashore, where gathering becomes a time of observation. In this mindful and responsible approach, the artwork is not manufactured—it is revealed. The artist follows the forms already present within the driftwood, bringing them to light with subtle touches of acrylic paint and, at times, additions of metal.
Animals occupy a central place in his work. They are at once symbols, guides, and keepers of memory. Each species embodies a particular quality, energy, or wisdom, becoming a witness to the fragile relationship between humanity and the living world.
Through his work, Bruno Tomei seeks to awaken each person's deepest aspirations and dreams. He invites viewers to reconnect with animals as bearers of spiritual meaning and the memory of the land. His work is an invitation to rediscover ancient wisdom, to renew a sensitive relationship with nature, and to recognize animals as guides in our relationship with the living world.