Mark Totan

Mark Totan was an Inuk artist, originally from the small community of Igloolik in the territory of Nunavut, on the north shore of Hudson’s Bay. He is a self-taught soapstone carver of original design and each carving depicts history, symbols and lifestyle of native people of Canada. Mark resided in Edmonton since March 1993 and his sons Clivelon and Tony Totan began carving under their father’s tutelage for many years. Mark passed away in his home in Edmonton in May of 2022

Mark began carving stone in the late 80’s and continues to use traditional methods in his carving. For Mark, the stone dictates what it will be, when he approaches the material. Mark Totan sculptures are carved in a variety of soaptones from around the world

With a hammer and chisel, Mark initially roughs out the block of carving stone. For finishing, he then uses files, rasps and sandpaper. Danish oil or a liquid acrylic is rubbed on the stone as a final touch revealing the natural finish of the stone. The colours of the stone may vary from black and brown to various shades of green as well as shades from cream to pure white. Soapstone is characterized by its softness and luster.