Stuffed Grizzlet

Dinah Giffin was born in 1954 in Toronto, Ontario.  While she was in elementary, junior and high school her entire focus was art, art.  In 1983 she graduated with Honors from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree.  Followinmg graduation, Dinah represented the Fine Art Department for the Helen Pitt award in Vancouver, B.C.

Fish Bench

Dinah paints on recycled wood which is salvaged from old buildings, fences or is washed up on local beaches.  The paintings are framed in alder twigs or in Pacific Willow branches.  Pieces of wrecked boats which are washed up on shore and weathered boards present a natural beauty that represents years of history that blend into the ambience of her unique style of painting. 

Bear

“My roots are firmly and happily planted on our beautiful island.  There is a great feeling of inspiration from walking the beaches and enjoing the natural beauty of the ocean.  Each piece of wood has its own imperfections, nail holes, scrapes and marks which I include in my paintings.  I hope you enjoy my art.”  Dinah!

Mask

Allan Blyth educated his eye in the techniques and craftsmanship of carving at a very early age. Born and raised in Victoria, British Columbia, he spent hours as a child watching master carvers restore ancient totem poles and house-posts destined for the Victoria Museum. In his 20s, Al was introduced to a master carver who became his teacher in the Kwagiulth style. He carved and painted as a hobby for many years, earning his living in the shipyards and the family business. When an industrial accident cut his career short, Al began carving full-time. He creates ceremonial masks, as well as bowls, boxes, walking sticks and feast dishes. Soon he will be incorporating metal casting, stone, bone, and other natural materials, in his works.

Mask

The Brentwood Box

The side of a single piece of Red Cedar which has been kerfed in three places, then steamed and bent into the box shape.  When dry, the kerfs are glued and the join is drilled and pegged.  The bottom is carefully fitted then glued, drilled and pegged.

Brentwood Boxes

Yellow Cedar Star Table $2025.00 CAD

Yellow Cedar Spawning Salmon Table $2025.00 CAD

Raven Catching the Sun (stained yellow cedar) $675.00 CAD

Randy Kerr

Hello, my name is Randy Kerr.  Thank you for your interest in my carvings.

I initially began woodcarving 5 years ago when I moved to Victoria, with my wife Shauna to join our two daughters who were attending universtiy here.  I was a chiropractor and had been in practice for 27 years in Belleville, Ontario.

When we arrived in Victoria, I set up a chiropractic office downtown in Market Square.  One of my neighbours in the area was Jack Kerr, “the Lone Wolf” who had a boutique storefront to market his carvings.  I greatly admired his work, which consisted of cedar carvings of Native design.  He agreed to accept me as his student.  I was deeply drawn to this creative work and eventually my calling changed from chiropractic to carving.  I left my practice in 2007 to spend more time carving.

I love working with our native woods, and in particular both red and yellow cedar.  The texture, the smell and the beauty of the wood inspire me.  Most of my carvings are inspired by native designs, which seem to connect with a deep inner part of me.  Presently my focus and interest is in carving “coffe” tables, although I still enjoy large animal wall plaques and full di

Yellow Cedar Salmon Table

Yellow Cedar Sun Table

ning tables. 

Thank you again for your interest, and I would love to carve something just for you!!

Randy Kerr

Red Cedar Small Tree $320.00 CAD

Red Cedar Burl Mirror $3,500.00 CAD

Red Cedar Tree $2,700.00 CAD

Frank Armich

Born on Vancouver Island, B.C., Frank Armich from an early age developed a keen attraction to the inherent beauty of local woods.  As a young apprentice in his father’s business of the production of burl wood furniture and clocks Frank quickly acquired the skills necessary to work with wood.

Today Frank creats by hand a wide line of artistic sculptures such as bowls, whales, and wall pieces fashioned out of bird’s eye maple, red and yellow cedar, and fir.  Frank carefully handcarved and sands each piece with the intent to raise and illuminate the wood’s grain.  Possessing an ability to visualize beauty in its raw state, he successfully brings to life a deep, earthy resonance – a resurfacing of the wood’s once magnificent glory. 

With a deep appreciation of  the natural, surrounding landscape of the Parksville- Qualicum region, Frank employs a variety of roots as a medium to create

Tree

Burl Mirror

Small Tree

one of a kind chairs, tables, lamps and beds.

As a young girl growing up in Nova Scotia Loretta remembers

'whittling' wood, but didn't take it up again till the age of 50 here

in B.C., and discovered the satisfying and relaxing benefits  of

simply being with wood and knife.

Using a variation of the traditional Northwest Coast 'bent' knife, and

a straight knife, she transforms ocean, river and forest driftwood

into spoons, vessels and sculptural forms.

She is self-taught and for the past 20 yrs. has enjoyed sharing her

'free-form' style of carving, helping people connect with Nature in

this very simple and peaceful way.

Her work is in homes around the world and her most current commission,

a trophy for the Breast Cancer Challenge Dragon Boat Race, is on

display in the Mammography Clinic at Victoria General Hospital.

Leaves and feathers $50 onwards 

her wood art showcased and sold at Sooke Harbour House.  Now one of Phoebe’s favorite activities, when she isn’t hiking, fishing or gardening, is searching for burls.

Douglas Fir Desk Piece with Glass Ball $180.00 CAD

Fir Bowl $165.00 CAD

Yellow Cedar Bowl $180.00 CAD