Wayne Carlick

Tlingit Nation
 
Wayne Carlick was born October 13th, 1958 in Atlin, British Columbia, Canada located along the Northwestern coast of the province, bordering with Juneau, Alaska. He is a member of the Tlingit nation and takes the Raven as his family crest symbol. Wayne belongs to the Xooxhitan House and was raised on the Taku River in northern British Columbia. His Tlingit name is ‘Yon’-Deck Kin Yaith’ meaning ‘Flying Raven’.

After finishing school and going to college for carpentry, Wayne continued his schooling and began to work as a counselor in treatment centres. Throughout his career of helping families, helping with youth treatment for alcoholism and drug addictions, Wayne continued developing his creative and artistic side.

In June of 1992, at a Tlingit gathering in Southeastern Alaska, the elders and community members presented Wayne with his carving knives. This gift gave Wayne the responsibility to carve, as well as to study the art, stories, songs, regalia, dance and language of his Nation. Wayne eagerly started working full time with his teacher, Dempsey Bob, a master carver.

Wayne began making Northwest Coast native artwork in 1988. Dempsey Bob, an internationally renowned artist, taught Wayne the basic skills of carving cedar wood. At a very young age, Wayne drew in pen and ink while under the supervision of artist, Ted Harris.

Wayne is a talented artist whose pieces are exquisitely carved and are of the utmost quality. Detail, dimension and the fluidity of his lines attract many an eye to his pieces.

Wayne is a versatile artist who currently carves on a full-time basis. He makes bowls, totem poles, both miniature and full size, regalia, and prints. He has been accredited on Good Morning America and on the BBC for his totem poles and his knowledge of traditional native songs and dances. He is also a member of a dance group that performs often at the Friendship Centre.

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