Art Commissions and Sales
As a master carver, Darren's work is highly sought after by both individuals and organizations with an appreciation for fine art.
Warm and approachable, Darren forms positive relationships with those for whom he creates art. He communicates openly and honestly and provides advice as to the materials, forms, and concepts that will create the strongest piece of art, and result in the the greatest satisfaction and pride of ownership for the collector.
Darren also offers those who wish, the opportunity to carve some of the piece along with him. This has proven to be both educational and personally meaningful to clients who make this choice.
Things to think about when requesting a commissioned piece:
- What type of final product are you looking for (mask/panel/totem pole, etc.)?
- Is there a subject matter or theme you want to see represented?
- What size do you want the finished piece to be?
- Where will it be placed upon completion?
- Do you want to participate in creating the carved piece?
Darren produces art on an ongoing basis. Private clients may also choose to purchase a piece he has already produced or that is in development. Check the Gallery for availability.
Note: Eagle Brings Sweetgrass was commissioned by the Aboriginal Government Employees Network, Saskatchewan, as an achievement award to be given annually. Made of red cedar and acrylic, it measures 40" x 17" x 3".
Making a Totem Pole: An Artistic Journey
Come along on the artistic journey of creating a totem pole from start to finish. The pole featured in this video stands 30 feet tall, and was commissioned privately in the Central Okanagan, BC, Canada.
Watch Darren Carve an 11-Foot Totem Pole Commissioned Privately
(The symbols represented from top to bottom include a thunderbird, human, eagle, and owl.)
Please note that the buzzing sound heard in the background is from high-intensity lighting used while carving the totem.
As Seen on TV
Darren (and the totem pole shown above) is featured in the Netflix TV series, Restaurants on the Edge, also available on Cottage Life TV. Designer, Karin Bohn, consulted with Darren on a piece she wanted for a restaurant revamp in the Okanagan Valley in Season 2, Episode 2. During the episode, he had less than 48 hours to design, carve, and complete the fish panel shown here. The finished piece of art now hangs in The Outboard Waterfront Pub in Vernon, BC.
Paddle Commissioned by Central Okanagan Teachers' Association
Darren McKenzie (master carver), Joe Jamison (Pro-D Chairperson for Central Okanagan Teachers' Association - COTA), and Kevin Kaiser (Indigenous Education Resource Teacher/Consultant), present Chief Roxane Lindley and members of the Westbank First Nation Council with a paddle commissioned by COTA. The paddle was presented in acknowledgement of the role Westbank First Nation played in the Indigenous Summit attended by teachers at the COTA Summer Conference 2018. Directed by an elder, Darren carved the paddle with the symbols of grizzly bear (Ki-Low-Na being the Syilx word for grizzly bear) and Saskatoon berries which once flourished in the Okanagan region. Darren also gave a one-day carving workshop to teachers during the summit.
