Mark Mickey

• Nuu-chah-nulth

Mark Mickey was born on April 5, 1956 to Charlie and Caroline Mickey in the village of Heshquiat, about 40 miles northwest of Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island. When he was five years old the family moved to Tofino where Mark would spend most of his early life. He currently lives in hot Springs Cove.
Mark belongs to the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation. He took a keen interest in the traditional art of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth people and benefited greatly from his parents’ teaching of the traditional ways. He constantly drew as a child, especially at school. Mark understands the Nuu-Chah-Nulth language and can sing some of their traditional songs.
Mark credits his parents for teaching and inspiring him to start carving in 1968. His father taught him to carve. Today mark has developed a style very much his own and enjoys carving masks and bowls out of the harder woods found in the area. He carves ceremonial masks, talking sticks and other items for the dances at potlatches as well bowls, spoons, bent boxes and jewelry. Mark is also known for his finely detailed miniature masks.
“All of my work is hand carved. I make my living exclusively by carving. In all my work it is important for me to put in something extra, no matter how much time it takes, because my art is me. I want to be able to respect my art as I respect myself. I approach the finishing of each object with care, to not overdue the decoration or the painting. I like to let the grain of the wood speak. This is particularly true of my bowls, which I oil but seldom paint or paint sparingly; I enjoy working on special orders and can work in any size, theme or specific finish. No matter what has happened to me, art has never left my mind. I still have lots to learn” – Mark Mickey