artist biography

Victor Cicansky

Canadian [1935-2025]
Order of Canada, Saskatchewan Order of Merit

 Victor Cicansky, a distinguished Canadian sculptor, educator, and mentor, left an indelible mark on the Canadian art world. Born in 1935 in Regina, Saskatchewan, Cicansky's work is characterized by its non-elitist approach, often featuring sculptures that celebrate the harvest. His upbringing in Regina's Garlic Flats, a neighborhood in known for its vegetable gardens, significantly influenced his artistic style. Cicansky's academic journey is marked by notable achievements. He graduated with a B.Ed. in 1964 from the University of Saskatchewan, a B.A. in 1965 from the University of Regina, and an MFA in 1970 from the University of California. Additionally, he studied at Haystack Mountain School of Art in 2007 and received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from the University of Regina in 2009. As an educator, Cicansky taught at several institutions, including the University of Regina, Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, University of California at Davis, and Banff School of Fine Arts. Primarily working with clay, Cicansky created iconic pieces, such as jars filled with fruit and vegetable preserves, showcasing his unique blend of postmodern expressionism and folk art influences. Cicansky was a key figure in the Regina clay movement (1968-1988), which garnered the attention of the Canadian provincial government. He was commissioned, alongside his father and other notable folk artists, to create the Grain Bin for the 1976 Montreal Olympics. His clay tableau was also featured at the Sturdy-Stone Centre in Saskatoon in 1977 and 1980. Throughout his career, Cicansky received numerous grants and awards, including the Victoria and Albert award, California Kingsley, Saskatchewan Order of Merit, and Saskatchewan Lieutenant-Governor's Award for Lifetime Achievements in the Arts. In 2012, he was appointed a member of the Order of Canada. A gazebo was erected in McLeod Park, Regina, in recognition of Cicansky's passion for gardening and art education. Through his sculptures and teachings, Victor Cicansky continues to inspire future generations of artists and art enthusiasts.