I am a self-taught, visual artist and longtime resident of Mission. My paintings are mostly detailed studies of natural patterns in snow, rock, wood, water and ice, inspired by the natural environment and the changing seasons. Around 2009 I began creating cartoons and carving small cedar poles. I am grateful for the teachings of Coast Salish carver Peter Gong, who helped me refine my carving skills and inspired a series of masks, rattles and shakers. The wood and the carving are closely connected, like an endangered Forest snail, carved from a piece of old growth western red cedar, representing how old growth itself has become endangered.

I believe artistic expression is a way of life.

Don Mair