Luke Marston

Born: 1976

Luke Marston has grown up in a family of artists and has been carving since he was a child. Both his parents, Jane and David Marston, are experienced carvers who provided Luke with an introduction to the art and skill of carving.

When first working Marston sought guidance from Nisga'a carver Wayne Young, who taught him about giving his pieces detail and a level of finish. Simon Charlie has also been an influential teacher and, in 1999, Marston assisted him in the creation of four house posts for a public school in Seattle. In the same year, the two of them aided Sean Whonnock and Johnathan Henderson in the carving and raising of a 25-foot totem pole at the Royal British Columbia Museum's Thunderbird Park.

Marston's style is characterized as bold and dramatic, combining a deep knowledge of Coast Salish heritage with his personal aesthetic. Recently, Marston was showcased in two major exhibitions: "Changing Hands: Art Without Reservation 2" and "Transporters: Tradition and Innovation", at the New York Museum of Arts and the Victoria Art Gallery, respectively. In addition to his wood carving Luke enjoys the medium of silver for expressing the legends and designs of the Coast Salish people.

In 2015 he completed a monumental commission for the city of Vancouver and Stanley Park. The 14 foot bronze sculpture, Shore to Shore commemorates the adventures of Portuguese Joe and his Coast Salish family.