Artists' Bios

Biography and Artist Statement

Living in Tahsis and Haida Gwaii has given me inspiration and the technical ability to carve anything out of anything. I always try to do something “out of the box”. After 17 years as a laboratory technologist and xray technician I had to do something more in my life. I wanted to leave something that was not only pleasing to someone to look at but also something that pleased me to work on and see the finished product. That is my inspiration as well as my therapy in a sense. I have no formal training but I have watched and learnt from others. My hands take away what shouldn't belong.

I have had the honor to work with carvers such as Fred Watmough and Goota Ashoona and her family as well as many others. These people have allowed me to experience the medium and exchange ideas. In 2009 I was in Australia where I again had the opportunity to exchange ideas and see how other carvers and woodworkers transform their ideas.

Exhibitions
2001
Campbell River and District Public Art Gallery,Spring Show, Campbell River,B.C.
Award of Merit

2006
All-Island Art Show, Haida Gwaii,B.C,.
People's Choice and Judge's Choice. Nora Blanck-adjudicator

2007
All-Island Art Show, Haida Gwaii,B.C.
People's Choice and Judge's Choice. Nora Blanck-adjudicator

2008
Contemporary Craft in B.C.:Excellence Within Diversity. Juried exhibition sponsored by the Craft Association of British Columbia and Vancouver Museum, Vancouver, BC

Related Experience

Worked with Fred Watmough, (Master Carver, Master Scrimshander, and Master Shipwright), in Haida Gwaii,

Spent the winter carving with Goota Ashoona (Master Inuit Carver) and her family in Yellowknife, NWT

2008 Interview with Sheryl Mackay on North By Northwest CBC Radio One

2009 Travelled Western Australia giving workshops and exchanging ideas with local artists.