BRAD STARR

Brad Starr was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. He is from the Fish Clan of the Haisla Nation and has ancestral ties to Kitimaat, Kemano, Kitasoo, and Heiltsuk.

The culture, lifestyle, and values of his people have been major influences in his life. Two significant members of his extended family have inspired him: his uncle, Sam Robinson, a master carver; and his grandfather, Solomon McKay, a master canoe builder of the Haisla Nation.

Brad worked in construction for many years. During that time, he gained a new respect and admiration for his ancestors. They were master builders and architects who worked without the aid of modern materials and equipment. Brad began seriously carving in 1995. From the moment he picked up carving tools and transformed a piece of wood into a physical reality, his life was captivated by this art form. Since then, he has been driven to create, translate, and interpret the world around him. Different artists taught him the basics of design and carving in his early years. Since then, he has worked hard to develop his own unique style.

Much of Brad’s inspiration comes from those magical moments in everyday life that make you pause and truly see the power of nature, humanity, and the supernatural world. He must envision each piece of work in its entirety before he can bring it to life. He often incorporates contemporary ideas into traditional designs. Wood is his favorite medium, though he also does printmaking and textile design.

For Brad, carving is not just a career or a hobby—it's a dedication to the beauty and strength of his heritage. Through his carvings, he hopes to raise awareness of and respect for the First Nations people of the Northwest Coast.