Craig Benson, Piers Island

The Artist: Craig was born on Little Mountain in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada in 1949. Carving became a hobby while he pursued an education in environmental studies. His post-graduate career in wildlife management and habitat protection kept Craig in close contact with his artistic subjects, and took him to many wild areas of North America. Following a stay in Rivers Inlet on BC's remote central coast, he moved with his young family to Victoria B.C. in 1987. His lifelong interests in art and nature called him to a full-time carving career in 1990. In May 1995, the desire to live closer to the rugged natural beauty of the coast brought him to Piers Island, a small community in the Gulf Islands north of Victoria, where he and his partner Lynn designed and built their new home and studio. Craig is passionate about life on earth, it's mystery, magic, beauty and diversity. His work celebrates and honours the creatures with which we share this planet.


River Otter Bowl

Materials & Subjects: Although most of Craig's earlier work was in native woods, he now works almost exclusively with stone: soapstone, alabaster, perypholite. Occasionally an original stone carving will be available in a bronze limited edition. Wood sculptures can be commissioned. Much of Craig's carving is "release" work, in which the piece of stone or wood and it's life-force suggest the creature within. Special stones and woods are also selected for characteristics that seem to match his other chosen subjects. Most often, the creature that emerges will be native to this area's waters; the fish, otter, seals and sea lions that are such an integral part of our experience on the Northwest coast.

Giant Octopus
Dimensions: 24"L x 22"W x 20"H
Medium: Stone (Brazilian Steatite)
Weight: 165 lbs
Price: Please Contact Wickaninnish Inn