Tippy Canoe Stone Arts is the quiet artistic framework for the sculpting pursuits of stone carver Tyler Francks.

Statement: "Rendering the abstract, natural and spiritual in a direct experience of life and art, I am compelled by nature, myth, interrelationship and personal evolution."

I do like to keep a sense of humour about it all, though I am ardent. Above all things, I just want to bring more goodness into the world, for my children, the Earth, for all of us.

Stone Studio: Carving since 2002, I now have an excellent studio space in Guelph, ON. which is terribly dusty and perfectly homey.

Now In the Works: Several stone carvings are underway including a 4 ft. tall limestone garden goddess. Smaller items will be available for sale in my online shop.

You can always visit my blog to find out what I am sculpting now.

Poetry: all the art and a fraction of the dust!: A few words to share. Working on a little book this year, perhaps. Please read if you will: Growing Gratitude, riversong II, and Stone Poem.

Sculpture Style & Stone: Specializing in carving limestone and soapstone; rendering functional, spiritual and artistic designs. I also create pendants in soapstone specifically for workshops.

Seeking: Sculpture commissions, large and small; creative consulting; group sculpture sessions.

Giving: Give a one of a kind gift - "Sculptural Commission Gift Certificates" available. I will personally handle the consultation with the recipient, create an original design to meet their expectations and deliver it on time, within budget - with love. Client references available.

Portfolio: View my sculpture portfolio online. You can also just watch the slideshow of my portfolio.

Blog: My latest news & muses.



Artist Mentoring Podcasts: A new podcast series is in the works. Stay tuned- likely available this Spring! If you are interested in participating in one of these casts, get in touch!

Handle With Care: Sandy Cline, a wonderful soapstone carver and a teacher, has posted a good article on repairs to soapstone. Sandy's site has some good designs for beginning carvers!

Stone Discovery Sessions: Simple yet, empowering sculptural experiences carving and polishing soapstone for individuals, teams, school children, gatherings and communities in Guelph or around the globe.

Polish Your Heart Workshops: Enjoy the water polishing process as the colours and patterns of your pre-carved soapstone heart emerge in your hands. Can be a boisterous or meditative gathering! Approx. 2 hrs. suitable for 4 - 8 people.

Workshop References: "Tyler Francks is a passionate and grounded facilitator who demonstrates equal savvy in dealing with people as her art form. She truly made the session of "polish your heart" a creative, meditative and spiritual experience that introduced our clients to the art of polishing and carving stone.

Positive feedback from participants included an appreciation for Tyler's inspiring facilitation and the experience of working with stone."

Courtesy of Homewood Horticultural Therapy

Sculpture Therapy: Sculptural art therapy in stone is a line of endeavor I am interested in facilitating. Here is a term paper I've put together on Spiritual Emergence and the Arts.

Please feel free to get in touch for more detail or to explore synergies.