Canadian 1916-2004

“Coast Spirit” Sculpture in McPherson Library Quadrangle 1968 Image courtesy of the University of Victoria Special Collections

After being ncluded in prestigious events such the 1964 Venice Biennale and 1967 Sculpture Expo in Montreal, Elza Mayhew became one of the most influential female sculptors in Canada when she was i. Her inspiration drew from her passions for human form, architecture, and ancient civilizations. Mayhew developed a process of carving into foam blocks that are then cast into bronze using experimental foundry techniques. Her monolithic forms take on a symbolic and universal visual language that evokes a sense of timelessness. Her local public art commissions include major sculptures at the University of Victoria’s central quadrangle grounds and BC Archives exterior entrance as well as others across Canada.

Maiden of Knossos 1962
Cast bronze
16.5 x 5.5
Gift of Myfanwy Spencer Pavelic