Toronto artist Roch Smith was inspired by recent events to create a new metal sculpture that reflects on the idea of community—lending a hand to others in need. ‘Hold Fast’ is a playful, engaging piece in which two bronze male figures head-to-head hang from a curved stainless-steel beam that rests on two metal posts. It appears to be a precarious position but Smith prefers to see it as a statement on the power of working together.

“The sculpture presents a specific moment in time - there is ambiguity about what might have happened and we are also unsure as to what the next moments might entail. In either case there is something positive in the embrace of the figures - a grip which supports and joins.” Roch Smith

He received a BFA (Honours Sculpture) from the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design (ECIAD - 1997) and an MFA from York University (2003). A teacher as well as an artist, Smith has taught classes at the University of Waterloo, ECIAD and York University. He currently manages and operates the bronze and aluminum foundry at York University. Roch Smith has exhibited throughout Canada and in the US and his work is included in private, corporate and museum collections.