OCAD U mourns passing of former faculty member David Scopick

The OCAD U community is deeply saddened by the passing of artist, educator and author David Scopick whose illustrious teaching career at the university spanned more than forty years.  Scopick served as Head of Photography from 1979 to 1996 and retired in 2020. 

“He was a dedicated professor and I’m certain there are many photographers who had their careers jump-started by being in his classes,” remembers Associate Professor Ron Wood, who worked with Scopick for 40 years.  

“He was very focused on historical photographic methods, including the creative possibilities of gum bichromate and wrote the definitive book on the technique,” Wood added. “He was a good friend to me and many others at the university.”

About David Scopick

Scopick was born in Calgary on January 2, 1948 and studied at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute (now Toronto Metropolitan University), The San Francisco Art Institute and York University.

In addition to his career at OCAD University, he taught internationally at photography symposiums in the United States, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Italy, China and Australia. 

Scopick was an accomplished artist who had international exhibitions and was well respected for his professional achievements. One of Scopick’s works is permanently exhibited in the National Gallery of Canada. 

He is survived by his daughter, Jody (Rich); grandchildren, Alexandra and Callan; his brother, Dan (Nadya); his niece, Connie; nephews, Ken, Chris (Wendy), Charlie, Matthew (Marianne), Andrew (Limor) and Patrick (Sarah); as well as many great nieces/nephews, extended family, and much-loved confidantes, companions and friends.

A celebration of Scopick’s life will be held on Thursday, July 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel Ltd., 1403 Bayview Ave., Toronto. An interment of his ashes will occur in Saskatoon on Friday, August 9 at 2 p.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery. Donations in his memory can be made to Canadian Red Cross – Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.

OCAD U extends its condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. 

Source

The Globe and Mail