When artist Bert Lambier took his first Stinking Fish self-guided studio tour he felt rushed trying to visit all the studios within a few days. In a trial run, this year the tour will go all year long instead of limiting visitors to 10 days.

B次元官网网址淲e felt it was so hectic,B次元官网网址� said Judi Dyelle, tour co-ordinator and artist. B次元官网网址淪ometimes there would be 50 people in the studio and people want to ask questions.B次元官网网址�

The tour was held once in the summer and again in the winter.

With the new annual format more artists are signed up to be a part of the tour, Dyelle said.

ItB次元官网网址檚 the first year in the tour for Lambier who admits he would have participated if it was a 10-day tour, but heB次元官网网址檚 excited for the new format.

B次元官网网址淚 think itB次元官网网址檚 a great idea,B次元官网网址� said the Metchosin welder. B次元官网网址淣ow people can come when they have time. People can call ahead and book two or three artists to go see.B次元官网网址�

Plus, he points out, artists can work together.

B次元官网网址淲hen they leave my shop I can call the next artist and let them know they are on their way,B次元官网网址� Lambier explained.

In his shop, sparks and epics of metal tend to fly, so the artist prefers a heads up to prepare for a visit.

Lambier learned his trade at Camosun College where most of his classmates where not seeking the skill for artwork.

B次元官网网址淚 had no intention going to work at the shipyards or dockyard, but everyone else had the intention,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淭hey all laughed at me and said theyB次元官网网址檇 see me at the shipyards.B次元官网网址�

Now Lambier jokes heB次元官网网址檚 the only one from his class still working in welding.

HeB次元官网网址檚 most well-known for his steel kelp sculptures and he said heB次元官网网址檚 always been inspired by the ocean.

B次元官网网址淲hen I was a kid I would swim until I was blue in the lips,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淣ow I like to go sit down at the ocean with a coffee.B次元官网网址�

HeB次元官网网址檚 also been known to snorkel at Taylor Beach and the Esquimalt Lagoon.

Some of his other creations include bowls made of nuts and bolts, space rockets and flowers.