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. He presently resides in his home community of Hall Beach, just west of the Baffin Island.

        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 & Clivelon also carve.

EXHIBITIONS:

1998                   The Power of Stone
                            Bayat Gallery, Winnipeg, Manitoba

1997                   Bears from the Arctic
                            Bayat Gallery, Winnipeg, Manitoba

1997                   Exhibition, Orca Art Gallery , Chicago, Illinois

COLLECTIONS:

Rowles and Company, Edmonton, Alberta Irving Oil, St. John, New Brunswick Chrysler Canada, Toronto, Ontario Government of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta Mobile Oil, Calgary , Alberta Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, Grand Chiefs Office, Regina, Saskatchewan Prince Albert Grand Council, Prince Albert, British Columbia Unisource, Permanent Collection, Calgary , Alberta