He calls himself an earth protector, but Ottawa knows him as the master of balance.
For John Felice Ceprano, the Remic Rapids are more than just his work space, it’s his home. Day in and day out, he can be found there as an artist at work. Instead of paint brushes there are rocks, and instead of a canvas, there is a river. Ceprano has been creating rock sculptures for thirty years at the Remic Rapids in Ottawa’s west end.
He described the first time he ever went to the rapids, “I found the site, and I thought ‘wow this is magical. Such a beautiful place’.” He began by simply making a rock wall, and as he stood back he realized it resembled the city skyline.
His methods progressed throughout the year, beginning with stacking the rocks, and then he had the idea to create a “zen garden” as he described it. Shortly after, Ceprano was acknowledged by almost every local news organization, begging to interview him. When he received a Canada Art Council Grant to continue his art, he never looked back. 
Ceprano was raised in Providence Rhode Island, USA, and as a young artist came to Canada in 1970 to travel with his friends to the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, “just being a couple of hippies, having a grand time,” said Ceprano. He fell in love with Canada’s organic nature and shortly after decided to make it his home.
Ceprano achieved serval degrees from Rhode Island College, such as MA in photography, a BFA in Fine Arts, an Associate degree in Physics, and additionally studied at the University of Ottawa. He has won countless awards for his art, however admits that he never wanted to be known for what he does, his work is for himself.
“Creative, original and engaging,” three words Jose Sanchez used to described his close friend.
Having met over fifteen years ago, Sanchez and Ceprano have kept ties with each other since meeting in Toronto, through a mutual friend. Sanchez continues to support his friend’s art in every way he can. By attending events at the rapids, and regularly visit the site. “He has evolved his art to engaging other people to do it too,” Sanchez stated about Ceprano’s influential art.
Ceprano’s muse is solely based on balance in the environment.
“When theres balance things just flow, like this river,” Ceprano gestured to the rapids rushing beside him. He later related this to his Italian heritage.
After meeting with other art artists at the first ever International Stone Balancing Festival in Italy, he became more in tune with the Italian lifestyle. This gave Ceprano validation that other artists were doing the same thing he was, and on a more international level.
“Non fretta,” which is Italian for ‘no rush’, as Ceprano stated. This is a motto which he lives by.
The rock sculptures represent, to him, respect for the environment around us. He believes that he is not only an artist but an earth protector. “The whole thing is to protect our mother, and to make sure she remains healthy,” he said as he referred to the earth.
It is hard to deny the artists energy when he speaks. His infectious laughter exudes joy, and his passion for his art goes beyond the shores of the Remic Rapids.
“Ive turned 70, and I didn’t know that I would still be enthusiastic about doing this, after thirty years, but I am. Its irresistible. Why would I want to retire from something that gives me so much,” the artist gleamed.
Video made by Stuart Miller-Davis, Kennedy Chamberlain and Chelsey Devito:
Chelsey Devito 