D’Arcy Basil grew up influenced by his mother who was an artist and introduced him to drawing and sculpting modeling clay from the age of three.
Growing up in Alert Bay he went to the T’lisa̱lagi’lakw School where he was introduced to classes in Northwest Coast form line design and painting (Kwakwaka’wakw) as part of the curriculum.
He also had his first introduction to carving from legendary Kwakwaka’wakw Master Carvers Beau Dick and Wayne Alfred when he was growing up there.
The legends and coastal wildlife are the main inspirations for the artistic sculptures that D’Arcy creates.
He started his apprenticeship with Master Carver Chris Sparrow (Musqueam) and his late father Irvin Sparrow several years ago and started carving as a full time career.
He has created sculptures and masks in marble, alabaster, black chlorite, and green chlorite. Now turning his focus to jade carving after taking a jade carving workshop hosted by Deborah Wilson one of Canada’s best jade sculptors – and International award winner. I am currently being mentored by Lyle Sopel who is an amazing jade carver who has over 40 years experience.
His carvings and sculptures in wood, stone, and metal have been collected both locally and internationally.