Gilakas'la (welcome)
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I carve northwest coast first nations artwork in the Kwakiutl style. I usually knife finish my work, but, sometimes my work is sanded. Mainly i carve in red and yellow cedar making plaques, masks, paddles, and panels.
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I was born in Alert Bay in 1967 and moved to the village of Fort Rupert BC in 1985. In 1989 at a memorial pot hatch for my brother, my mother's family placed me in the family's chief position at the big house in Alert, Bay where I received the name "Mus-cum-tsi which symbolizes the four clans of the KwaKwakaWak'w nation.
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I first started carving in the renowned Kwakiutl style at the age of 20 and was mainly taught by Stanley Hunt (son of Master Carver, Henry Hunt). Wayne Alfred, Beau Dick and Calvin Hunt were also influences in my early carving career. As a young artist, I was able to learn techniques in making Bentwood boxes, planking from cedar trees, carving masks, paddles, model, canoes, and making regalia for traditional use in big house ceremonies.
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I have also done charity work for memorial trophies, and made donations to various fundraising events in the community, including a reconstruction auction to benefit work for the Big house in Alert Bay. My work can be seen in museums and galleries throughout BC, including Alert Bay and the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria, as well as in many collections around the world.