Mark Totan information page
Inuit Soapstone Master Carver
Summary
Mark Totan was born in 1953 in the small town of Igloolik, Northwest Territories (in the new territory of Nunavut). He has traveled throughout Canada, and has also lived in Hall Beach and Iqaluit. Mark is a self-taught artist, and has carved in a variety of stone and antler mediums for the past 13 years. He is well known for his sculpture, and especially enjoys carving polar bears. He takes time to ensure each has the detailing of the thick, loose fur and strength shown throughout the muscles of the body and legs.
Like the elder carvers, Mark begins by roughing out a block of stone with hammer, chisel and hand axe. Once the general form is achieved, he then uses as assortment of rasps and various degrees of sandpaper to achieve the final effect. Each piece reflects some feature of the lifestyle and history ofhis people.
Since carving full time, Mark has been gaining a wide audience appreciative of his sculptures. His works now form an integral part of numerous private and corporate collections. His two sons, Tony and Clivelon also carve.About Canada are a store in Banff Alberta who carry a range of products by Mark Totan, they are a gallery and gift store. This is a store that sells online and tends to have some really neat Canadian made products.
Mark Totan is a self-taught inuit artist, and has carves in a variety of stone and antler mediums. He is well known for his sculpture, and especially enjoys carving bears. He takes time to ensure each has the detailing of the thick, loose fur and strength shown throughout the muscles of the body and legs.
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