Nunuusxli Chazz Mack: Opening Doors: Cedar Door Carvers Project

“My hope is that my work helps to keep the traditions alive so they are passed onto the next generations to come.” Chazz Mack

Chazz Mack ~ Nunuusxli
Nuxalk/Heiltsuk ~ Painter ~ Carver ~ Jeweler
Nuxalk Territory - Bella Coola, BC

Biography:
Chazz Mack is a young and talented artist of both Nuxalk and Heiltsuk heritage. Born in Vancouver, he has resided in Nuxalk Territory for most of his life and is a member of the Raven, Grizzly and Double Headed Sea Serpent clan from Bella Coola. . His Nuxalk name is Nunuusxli which means “Is a fast learner” or “likes to learn new things.”

He describes himself as being “surrounded” by art and artists his entire life. His father, Joe Mack, is a well-known artist in the local community and inspired him to become an artist. He began drawing at 13 and an early mentor throughout high school is renowned artist Alvin Mack. Mack graduated from the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art in 2011 where he studied with renowned carver Dempsey Bob and has recently taught art at the Acwsalcta School in Bella Coola.

Mack is a prolific painter and his work is engaging and fluid. He paints “whatever comes into his mind” and his work often reflects the natural world around him. In addition to painting, Mack also carves with alder and cedar, and creates unique wood jewelry. His work “blends traditional and contemporary elements” and has a sense of youthfulness and luminosity. He has also assisted Lyle Mack and Alvin Mack in the carving of two significant community totem poles in the past year.