MAX CHICKITE
(See-Wees-Great Paddler)
Max Chickite is a Lekwiltok First Nations' artist, born
in 1958 and raised in the Cape Mudge village, which is located
on Quadra Island, BC; a short ferry ride from Campbell River.
Max is the great grandson of the late Chief
Johnny Chickite. He now makes his home in Campbell River
with his wife and two daughters, but works in Victoria carving movie sets. Max spends the
summer months commercial fishing.
Max began drawing, painting and carving at age
eleven. His early studies of his First Nations' Kwagulth heritage
is reflected in both his paintings and carvings.
Max enjoys spending time sharing his knowledge
of the First Nations' art, by volunteering his time in many of the schools
within the community. He demonstrates the fine art of carving
masks to the students, showing them the tools that are used, while
explaining both the technical side of carving as well as the
stories associated with many of the carvings used in his culture.
1994 was a landmark year in the budding career of this
most talented artist. Max will be well remembered in his
community for the Bakwus (wild man of the woods) carving he did.
Bakwus won an Award of Excellence in Campbell River, BC and
then in Cumberland, BC. It was then chosen for the poster of
the "Images & Objects" Exhibition for the Provincial
Exhibition which was held in Campbell River for the BC Festival
of the Arts. Max was awarded one of only five Awards of
Excellence in the show.
In 1996 Max saw a vision in an old stump on
the beach in his community. He transformed that stump into an
octopus and chose to leave it on the beach for everyone to enjoy.
The community responded with great appreciation for this wonderful
gift.
In 1997 Max's career as a carver went in a whole
new direction for him. He was recognized for his skills in carving
and was hired by Walt Disney to be a sculptor for the
movie, 'Eaters of the Dead'. In 1997 Max was
very honored to be nominated 'Citizen of the Year' in Campbell
River.
One of Max's future goals is to open a "Long
House" where carvers can come to carve, young carvers can
come and learn and First Nations' dances can be held for the public to
learn about the First Nations' culture. |
