Latham Mack

Latham Mack, born in 1985, is a Nuxalk First Nations artist from Bella Coola, British Columbia. Mack was inspired by his culture from a young age: he began carving at age thirteen. Mack’s work can be found in the University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology collection and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis. His travels have taken him to New Zealand, where he has performed traditional dances and curated workshops. Mack apprenticed with world-renowned Nuxalk artist Glenn Tallio in Bella Bella, B.C., and found guidance under the tutelage of Tahltan/Tlinget artist Dempsey Bob for half a decade.

What inspired you to learn more about your traditional skills?
Growing up in Bella Coola and attending Acwsalcta School played a huge role setting me on that path that I’m walking down today. My late grandfather shared his knowledge of our traditional culture with me. He taught me a lot about where we come from, where and how many villages the Nuxalk people had: he took me under his wing, and my young self learned a lot about our traditional Nuxalk style. My grandfather taught me about our traditional dances and songs. Attending the Rediscovery Summer Program and then working with the Rediscovery team as well. You can learn a lot out in your traditional territory.

What practice or training have you completed that helped you become a professional artist?
I received my diploma in First Nations Fine Arts with Honours from the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art.

Art Apprenticeships: 2008-2010
Glenn Tallio: 2009-2010
Dempsey Bob: 2010-2015

What part of working with wood inspires you?
There’s something special for me about working with wood. I’ve always been drawn to it. I’d rather paint on wood any day than on paper. What inspires me the most is seeing my pieces coming to life from a block of wood. I really love to work with Alder wood because it’s soft when it’s green and hardens when it dries. Alder holds details in the wood. I love seeing how the wood grain comes out in my sculptures.

“I believe with the knowledge that I have gained from my teachers and mentors, I have the ability to form my own unique style with each piece that I complete.”

Nuxalk | Artist & Carver