Visiting Fishhead Studio on Gabriola Island

Recently I had the privilege and joy of visiting Fishhead Studio here on Gabriola Island with our current artist in residence, Cassandra Myers.

Fishhead Studio is the creative world of Dave and Tammie Hennigar—two incredibly welcoming artists whose work spans sculpture, lighting, folk art, painting, reclaimed objects, driftwood, concrete, mixed media, and beautifully inventive found-material creations. Their studio is filled with imagination, humour, texture, craftsmanship, and a true spirit of experimentation.

From the moment we arrived, it felt less like entering a gallery and more like stepping into an extension of their creative lives.

What I especially loved was hearing stories about their years living and homesteading in the Yukon. There was something deeply grounding and inspiring about listening to artists who have built such an expansive creative practice through curiosity, resourcefulness, and hands-on exploration.

We had wonderful conversations about sculpture, materials, making art, and the process of simply figuring things out as you go.

One of my favourite parts of being an artist is that moment of not fully knowing how something will come together—and realizing that discovery itself is part of the art form. Dave and Tammie embody that beautifully. Their work carries a sense of play, experimentation, and trust in the creative process.

I also loved seeing how reclaimed materials and found objects become transformed in their hands. Old wood, metal, fishing gear, driftwood, and salvaged objects become whimsical sculptures and thoughtful works filled with story and character.

These are such beautiful people, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to visit, connect, and spend time in their creative space.

Thank you Dave and Tammie for your generosity, conversation, and inspiration. If you’re visiting Gabriola Island, Fishhead Studio is absolutely worth experiencing!

Fishhead Studio
2515 Coho Drive
Gabriola, BC Canada V0R 1X7
250-327-1503
fishheadstudio.ca@gmail.com
Follow their work on Instagram and Facebook.