Rande Cook

Country/Region: Northwest Coast (view other artists)

Tribe: Kwakwaka'wakw

Rande Cook (Galapa) (b.1977) was born 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 Victoria High School in 1995. His cultural heritage includes N'amgis, Ma'amtagila and Mamalilikala tribes. His grandparents Gus and Florence Matilpi raised him with strong cultural views and ties to this rich heritage.

His grandfather taught him the essential elements of Kwakwaka'wakw design and impressed upon him how the art can connect him to his culture. Rande learned that by creating art he is helping to maintain and preserve a flourishing culture. The influence of Rande's family has helped in another direction. He credits his daughter, Jazmine Merelle (Maya), as the most important influence on the way he lives, works, and creates every day.

In addition to learning and experiencing art in a traditional way, Rande complements his work by exploring various new media such as gold,silver and mastadon ivory. Early mentors were Will Cook Jr.William Wasden Jr.and Beau Dick. As a result of these influences Rande developed an appreciation for Northwest Coast art and its many variations of style and expression.

Since moving to Victoria in 1996 he has been influenced by the works of Don Yeomans and John Livingston. Rande was also fortunate to spend time with Bruce Alfred from whom he learned to bend traditional boxes.

Since January 2002, Rande has been apprenticing under John Livingston. This opportunity has allowed him to explore wood carving, mask making, box making and numerous other forms of Northwest Coast art. Rande very much appreciates John's help and assistance in his career. John generously shares his skills and knowledge and as a result Rande is 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.


SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

2002 Tribal Miniatures X Anniversary, Alcheringa Gallery,Victoria

2003 The Storytellers, Alcheringa Gallery, Victoria, BC

2007 Gathered Treasures, Alcheringa Gallery, Victoria, BC

2010 Giving Traditions, Alcheringa Gallery, Victoria, BC

2010 Innovative Visions of the Formline, Solo Exhibition, Alcheringa Gallery, Victoria, BC

2010 Gallery Artists: Masterworks from the Pacific Northwest Coast of Canada and Papua New Guinea, Group Exhibition, Alcheringa Gallery, Victoria, BC

2011 Pacific Prints 2011, Alcheringa Gallery, Victoria, BC

2011 Continued Explorations of the Formline, Solo Exhibition, Alcheringa Gallery. Victoria, BC

2011 Chasing Form: New Directions in Repoussé, Alcheringa Gallery, Victoria, BC

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