Biography

COREY LAROCQUE (B. 1982, Dawson Creek, BC; Cree/Haida/Gitksan) Corey Larocque began making art at a very young age, copying formline from his grandfather’s bentwood boxes. He began carving in 2004, inspired by the artwork of prominent Vancouver Island artists Russell Smith and Rande Cook, as well as celebrated Kwakwaka'wakw carvers Beau Dick and Wayne Alfred. Today, Larocque’s artistic foundation stems from his use of raw materials like cedar, alder, and yew, as well as his work in metalsmithing, engraving, and repousse. Larocque’s artist name, Noka-Tsi, was gifted to him from Chief Marcus Alfred in 2015. His work is contemporary in form and function, but speaks to these traditional influences.