CULTURAL GROUP:
Haida

BIRTHPLACE:
Skidegate, Haida Gwaii

Tony has been artistic since early childhood, when he would create his own comics. As a teenager, he developed an interest in muscle cars, and began drawing them. He moved from Vancouver Island back to his hometown on Haida Gwaii in his teen years. It was at this time that he began to focus his skills on traditional Haida art. In 2000 he started metal carving, and found he had a passion for this medium. It is now the medium he works with the most, as demand for his pieces has grown. Much of the inspiration for his work comes from his island surroundings, including places such as Skg' Gwaaii (Ninsints), which he refers to as "Heaven". From 1989-1990, Tony apprenticed with Haida master carver and renowned contemporary visual artist Robert Davidson. In 2000, he apprenticed with well-known Haida jewelry carver James McGuire. Outside of art, Tony is a logger by profession. He also spends time volunteering with Skidegate elders, and occasionally golfs as a hobby.