Randy is from the Nisga’a / Gitksan Nation and from the Drumming Grouse/ Killer Whale clan. In 1982 Randy studied under master carvers, Walter Harris, Earl Muldoe, Vernon Stevens and Ken Mowatt at K’san carving school in Hazleton, B.C. He completed an intense 2-year wood carving courses. He learnt the traditions of his ancestors of how to respect, treat and carve wood. Working mainly with yellow and red cedar Randy learned how to carve totem poles, masks, feast bowls, paddles, plaques, etc… that tell stories of his peoples rich heritage. Nisga’a legends and stories prove a treasure trove of inspiration. The Nisga’a had been, before the arrival of the missionaries, essentially animist in their beliefs; every living thing has a soul, a purpose and deserves respect. Some of the traditional images that Randy is using acknowledge the power of the natural world of which the Nisga’a people, Randy and everyone are part of.
