When art making in Canada began to take a radical new direction, Joe Fafard was at the forefront, exploring new media and new imagery. His trademark ceramic cows and bulls have become iconic, and his three-dimensional portraits crackle with insight and humanity-as well as his trademark sly humour.

To accompany a major travelling retrospective, here is the life and art of a Canadian sculptor whose witty works in bronze and clay have catapulted him to international acclaim.

Terrence Heath is one of Canada's most distinguished curators and art historians. He is also the award-winning author of numerous fiction and non-fiction books, including, most recently, Casualties. He divides his time between Paris and Toronto, Ontario.

Terrence Heath's profile page

"Joe Fafard...combines biography, full-colour photographs of extraordinary works, and a comprehensive overview of Canadian art, a background from which to understand the work of this gifted artist."

Chronicle Herald

"The story of his life is ably told by Terrence Heath, longtime friend of the artist and clear-sighted observer of his times. It's a tale of a small-town kid with old-fashioned ideas working toward national celebrity, and it is illuminating."

Victoria Times-Columnist

"Quietly, Saskatchewan's diminutive Joe Fafard has evolved into a giant among Canadian artists. The idiosyncratic sculptor with a special penchant for horses and cows...is that rare breed -- an artist beloved by both the public and the critics. Just how good Fafard is -- very good indeed -- is evident in a retrospective show that captures the essence of his 45-year career."

Western Living