I’m a Gibsons-based woodcarver whose creative journey began in childhood, inspired by my father, Horst, a gifted master miniaturist. After a long career as a designer, creative director and storyteller, I turned my creative energy to carving, combining visual imagination with traditional craftsmanship.

As a member of Klee Wyck Carvers, I studied under Terry Starr of the Tsimshian Nation, building a strong foundation in Indigenous carving techniques while gradually developing a style of my own—playful, reflective and often touched with humour.

Much of my inspiration comes from simply watching the world around me. From my home on the Sunshine Coast, I observe crows squabbling, posturing and conspiring, and orcas moving through the water with remarkable grace and purpose. I’m fascinated by the humour, curiosity and motion in these moments, and by the personalities we instinctively see in the natural world. My work is often an interpretation of those observations—sometimes whimsical, sometimes thoughtful, but always grounded in movement and story.

My recent series, including A Murder of Crows, and Aquatic explore personality, poetry, nature and environmental themes, often inspired by the rhythms and character of life on the Sunshine Coast.

From my Gibsons studio, I create pieces rich in personality and story. I share a life of creativity and curiosity with my wife, painter Ilona Kostolansky. Together, we are continually inspired by the coastal light, reflections, wildlife and changing landscape that surround us every day.