Cole Speck

Born May 1, 1991, Cole has been carving since a teenager. Although he is quite young compared to his peers, he has had the opportunity to work under several expert artists and develop beyond his years as a carver. Cole is master carver Beau Dick’s main protégé. He also studies under Wayne Alfred, but finds that his work is strongly influenced by Marcus Alfred, Bruce Alfred, and Aubrey Johnston.

While Cole works very hard and has many accomplished teachers, he also comes by his artistic skill naturally.  His is the great grandson of the late Chief John Speck of the Tlowitsis, who was the father of the late Henry Speck Sr. Cole has a long family lineage with strong cultural and artistic roots, which are strongly reflected in his carvings. He respects his heritage and wishes to help maintain traditional stories, values, and aesthetics in his art, while allowing room for contemporary style as well.

In recent years, Cole’s talent has been recognized, having been asked to assist Beau Dick in carving the Pat Alfred Memorial pole in 2010. Two years later, Rande Cook selected Cole to help him carve a pole for a Northwest Coast exhibit occurring in Holland. Such experiences are bound to ensure that Cole will have the exemplary artistic career he deserves.