Three of Timmins mining “giants” have been remembered in a shining way, thanks to a Sudbury sculptor.

Seven-foot tall replicas of Jack Wilson, Sandy McIntyre and Benny Hollinger were recently unveiled, immortalizing the men who discovered deposits that led to the establishment of the three big gold mines in Timmins.

Tyler Fauvelle, a Lively-based artist, was commissioned by the Porcupine Prospectors and Developers Association to create the bronze statues that stand outside the Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre. The artist said it was a “privilege” to create the pieces.

“My work is often inspired by the people whose resilience and adventurous spirit helped build northern Ontario and the northern way of life,” he stated.

While seeing his creations come alive at the unveiling after two years of working on them was rewarding, Fauvelle said the best part was the community reaction. Many family members of the historic figures travelled from far and wide to be at the event.

“It was really exciting to be able to unite that many people with one piece of work,” he said.

Much of Fauvelle's work to date has depicted miners, while his newer creations are more focused on Canadiana. Sculpting with clay, the local artist typically finishes his pieces in bronze for “the lasting power of it.”

He has sculpted for as long as he can remember, enjoying the ability to make his own interpretations of real life.

“It's the ability to playfully recreate a three-dimensional image,” he said. “It's almost like a small version of real life.”

Throughout his years of experience, Fauvelle has learned the importance of accurately depicting form, then letting the details follow. He uses a system of creating small pieces first, then making them about a quarter of their actual finished size, before creating a full-sized version of each piece.

“I try to be accurate historically with the work I do,” he said.

To visit Fauvelle's studio, or for more information on his work, stop by 569 Main St. in Lively, or creativecasts.ca.