Guyol is an artist who lives in the present; he only remembers the past and anticipates the future.

Guyol was born in Quebec, Canada in 1935.  From an early age he was drawn to the arts and has never stopped pursuing art in all its forms.  Guyol’s studies began in the fine art schools of his native town, where the foundation of his education was immersed and guided by a French culture.

In the spring of 1963, Guyol left Quebec in pursuit of travel and exploration.  He traveled extensively through the United States all the while capturing the beauty of his experience through the lens of a camera.  Combined with a natural talent and a great desire, Guyol pursued his love of photography at Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California. 

Guyol quickly rose to the top of his class and many of his prints won awards at international exhibitions.  In 1965, he was awarded a scholarship for the study of underwater photography.

His long interest in glass began while working at New York’s World Fair where he observed other artist working in this medium.  While studying motion pictures, Guyol had a wonderful opportunity to shoot a short film about a master glassblower.  The film was awarded the best film at Brooks that year.  A PBS Producer soon sought after Guyol to hire him to work for KCET, Hollywood.

Guyol’s experience while filming the glassblower significantly altered the course of his already impressive achievements in the arts.  His encounter with the glassblower inspired him to explore the fundamentals of glasswork with the old master.  From his basic introduction to the medium, Guyol progressively developed his own technique of sculpting glass that has translated into exceptional works of art.  Guyol uses a torch, simple tools, and gravity.  All pieces are created by hand, and although he may repeat an idea, no two pieces are identical.  Guyol is among the world’s famous names in crystal and has his work in impressive collections around the world.  Guyol’s studio is located in Southern California.

To paraphrase Michelangelo; “The masterpiece is there in the crystal, it takes only the flame to get it out.”

“Guyol has captured the beauty of simplicity in Crystal Glass.” Stan Bentall

 

Guyol's son, Simon P. Côté, is also an accomplished artist. Visit his impressive collection at: www.simonpcote.com