Gary Minaker-Russ was born on July 12, 1958 in Masset, Haida Gwaii. He was the fifth child of nine born to Harold Minaker and Elanor Russ.
Gary was taught to carve argillite at the age of fourteen by Ed and Faye Russ, his older brother and sister-in-law. After working as a logger and fisherman until 1980, and carving only part time, Gary finally felt it essential to devote himself full time to his art.
Gary has been greatly inspired by the art of world-renowned artists Charles Edenshaw and Isaac Chapman. Subtle influences of their style can be seen in Gary’s work, as well as the same devotion to quality in craftsmanship.
Gary presently lives and works in his studio in Burnaby, B.C.