COOK RANDE

Rande Cook (Galapa) was born in 1977 in the northern Vancouver Island town of Alert Bay, BC. He spent his formative years in Alert Bay before moving to Victoria in 1991 to graduate at Vic High in 1995. His cultural heritage is in the N’amgis, Ma’amtagila and Mamamlilikala tribes. His grandparents Gus and Florence Matilpi raised him with strong cultural views and ties to this rich heritage.

Early on, his grandparents taught him the essential elements of art and impressed upon him how art both reflects and connects to the culture. Rande learned the importance that art holds and how it contributes to maintaining and preserving a flourishing culture. Rande’s family’s influence and inspiration continue in another direction as well because he credits his daughter, Jazmine Merelle (Maya), as the most important reason behind the way he lives, works, and creates today.

In addition to learning and experiencing art in traditional way, Rande compliments his work by exploring various different mediums and by touching contemporary style with the outside world.

His move to Victoria saw serious influence on his jewelry in 1996-1997; also in a large part by his older brother Will Cook Jr. Rande’s mentors include William Wasden Jr., Beau Dick, Don Yeonans, and most recently John Livingston. From all of his mentors Rande developed an appreciation for coastal artists and their many variations of style and expression.

Rande was also fortunate to spend time with Bruce Alfred bending traditional boxes. He learned much from this experience, being educated in the traditional engineering of such boxes as well as the actual making of the design and structure and how these unique works of art are created.

Since January 2002, Rande has been apprenticing under John Livingston. This opportunity has allowed him to explore woodcarving, mask making, box design and numerous other forms of coastal First Nations art. Rande is strongly appreciative of John’s help and assistance in his career and the opportunities he has brought forth to him. The skills and insights John has shared has educated this apprenticeship for Rande and makes him more confident he will be able to move forward to challenge his art and to experiment with new techniques as well as to continue his lifelong growth as an artist.