LeRoy Wiks

My name is LeRoy Wiks, I come from the Tlowitsis and Mumtigala Nations from Turner Island and Village Island. My grandmother is Christine Joseph (Wata). My grandfather is Leonard Joseph.

I started carving in 1986. When I was 8 years old, my uncle Leonard Joseph was my mentor. He started teaching me how to design and hold a carving knife.

Growing up in the city made it hard for me to learn consistently as my family lived on Vancouver Island. Over the years we would visit our family on the Island, and they would visit us as well and this was where I would learn more about my culture and art.

In 2017 I took a huge interest in carving and creating jewelry using precious metals like Copper, Gold, and Silver. My cousin Donny Wadhams, my mentor, and Dave Bruce would all work together in Dave's shop and collaborate ideas by helping each other. After a few years of learning to carve metals, I learned how to mount and set stones, this allowed me to open a much broader creative spectrum.

As I continue with my carvings, I have started a new journey and ventured into the clothing and home décor industry. Huge game changer for me. Creativity is endless.

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