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A talented young artist with
a flare for the bold and dramatic, Luke Marston combines a deep
knowledge of Coast Salish artistic tradition with a unique personal
vision. Inspired early in his career by his parents, carvers Jane and
David Marston, Luke worked first with Simon Charlie and later Wayne
Young. Luke carved at the Thunderbird Park at the Royal British Columbia
Museum in Victoria for five years alongside Jonathan Henderson, Sean
Whonnock , Sean Karpes and later Gary Peterson and his brother John
Marston. Relentlessly working to broaden his horizons, he has explored
stone carving, painting, jewelry and printmaking, however the majority
of Luke’s work is created in wood. In 2008, Luke and his brother John
Marston traveled to Japan as part of a cultural exchange and
participated in a show called Bridging the Pacific held at the Canadian
Embassy. Luke’s work was included in a traveling exhibition called
Changing Hands: Art Without Reservation 2 and in an exhibition of Coast
Salish art held at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria from November
2007 to February 2008, called Transporters: Contemporary Salish Art.
Luke is currently carving a
totem pole for the Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia, Steven
Point, and, upon its completion, it will stand at the Government House
in Victoria B.C. Luke is at the forefront of the revitalization of Coast
Salish art. Luke says, “I feel very fortunate I can be a part of the
continuum of this art form and I hope I can produce art with just as
much emotional expression as the ancient ones did.” His carvings show
a reverence for history and tradition, while expressing optimism that
the Salish art form can continue to develop and evolve.
“I am inspired by the
legacy of my ancestors. The title “Honouring the Ancient Ones”
is a reflection of the respect I feel for the master carvers of long
ago. I believe, as an artist, that we have to find a balance
between traditional and contemporary art, and at the same time evolve
and grow as Coast Salish people.” - Luke Marston
Luke earned his Black Belt
in the SHAKU system 2004. In this interview he discusses the
impact of martial arts on his life and career. Click
Here to listen.
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