CULTURAL GROUP:
Haida
BORN:
June 20th, 1949 (d. March 27, 2020)
BIRTHPLACE:
Vancouver, BC
Gerry Marks studied with Freda Diesing in Prince Rupert in 1971, and attended the Gitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Indian Art, where he studied under Alfred Joseph. During his time at Gitanmaax (Ksan), Gerry also learned to make his own engraving tools. During his training, he was greatly influenced by Pat Dixon, Francis Williams, Robert Davidson, and Bill Holm. In 1977, Gerry carved a 25-foot totem pole with Francis Williams, and helped Robert Davidson to carve the Edenshaw Memorial House front in Masset. That same year, he worked with Peter Page at the Treasures of London Master Craftsmen Workshop in London. Gerry has pieces in the BC Provincial Museum, the National Museum of Ethnology, and Osaka Museum. His first repoussé bracelet was purchased by the Canadian government's Ministry of Indian Affairs. Throughout 2009 and 2010, Gerry was working from Malaysia and Sweden. In 2019, he was featured in the landmark publication Understanding Northwest Coast Indigenous Jewelry by author Alex Dawkins. His carving style was characterized by precise lines and minute detail. Every surface of his pieces were textured and perfectly finished.
