Rande Cook
Kwakwaka’wakw (‘Namgis) Nation
Rande Cook was born May 26th, 1977 in Alert Bay, British Columbia, a small fishing village situated along the northeastern coast of Vancouver Island. He is a member of the ‘Namgis First Nation whose traditional territory encompasses the areas of Alert Bay, Port McNeil, Beaver Cove and the mountains, lakes and lands along the Nimpkish River.
He takes the Sun, Kolus and the Sisiutl as his predominant family crest symbols. Rande inherited his grandfather’s name Makwala (Moon) along with his chieftainship in 2008. He regularly attends and hosts potlatches and is highly respected in his community.
Rande is well-versed in wood carving and painting and he has recently embarked further into carving and designing jewelry. He predominantly taught himself, but has been greatly influenced by his cousin, Patrick Seaweed’s, work. Recently he has trained under Yotkov in Italy and New York, expanding his skills as a jewelry artist. He maintains the traditional style and form of his heritage and enjoys creating unique pieces that contain depth and a cut out form.
Rande is extremely knowledgeable about his culture and has become a well-known and revered artist both locally and internationally. His experience and attention to detail makes his work truly unique and respected amongst collectors and art lovers the world over.