Artist in Residence

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Ryan Cook stands out as a leading figure in the world of professional chainsaw carving, boasting global recognition for his mastery in the craft.  As the esteemed judge on the Discovery Channel's hit show "A Cut Above" and having showcased his talents on acclaimed programs like "Carver Kings", Netflix's "BIG TIMBER" and "Virgin River," as well as OLN's "Saw Dogs," Cook has left an indenible mark on the industry. Over the past 13 years, he has captivated audiences across the nation with his mesmerizing performances at fairs and events, drawing in millions of spectators.  Now, Cook unveils the next evolution in chainsaw carving entertainment, promising an unparalleled experience for audiences worldwide. 

The owner of Saw Valley Carvings Inc.; Ryan spends all year around travelling and carving all over Canada and the world doing wood, ice, clay, fruit and vegetable carvings.  Ryan is always trying to push himself into bigger, better things. 

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Kevin Lewis has been a master chainsaw carver for over 25 years, earning a reputation as one of the finest in Canada.  His exceptional talent has taken him to world championships and competitions across the globe.  For the past five years, he has also showcased his skills in ice carving at the High on Ice, Winter Festival in Fort St John.  Known for both his artistry and his lively sense of humour, Kevin is celebrated as a world-renowned chainsaw carver. 

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An artist, strategic communicator and digital storyteller.  Catherine is Metis on her Mom's side, and their family lived in areas of Spirit River, Smokey River, and Jasper House in what is now known as north west Alberta.  Her settler family travelled from England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland.  

Catherine is grateful to be born, raised, and still live and work on the lands of the Dane Zaa in Treaty 8 Territory, also part of the historic Metis Nation homeland.  She is a member of the Metis Nation of British Columbia, Region 7, and a member of their charter community the Fort St John Metis Society. 

Catherine is the founding creator and owner of "We Grow Rainbows", a food security Intergenerational Program that is proudly sponsored by Plan H and Northern Health.  Catherine is also a certified instructor and professional communicator for Cultivating Safe Spaces. 

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For 2023, STEPS Public Art partnered with the City of Fort St. John, with the support of the Fort St. John Arts Council, to support the development of a new temporary public artwork that was exhibited in our community. 

Ovvian Castrillo Hill was selected as the CreateSpace Public Art Resident, which provides emerging or mid-career Black, Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) and racialized artists with the skills, relationships and practical experiences needed to build and advance community-engaged public art practices. Ovvian brought a unique temporary public art piece titled "Drum of Concordia" to our community. 

Ovvian Castrillo Hill trained as a designer and honed as a design/art writer and consultant when she began sculpting in 2003 under the tutelage of her dad, Eduardo. 

Employing familiar materials, she repurposes metals and alters finishes – making for her a distinct Ovvian Castrillo proficiency in her art while undeniably rooted in her sensei’s influence. Each sculpture is personal to her, with a story prodded by emotions culled from her continued evolution as a daughter, a mother, a wife and a woman—and as a Filipino living in Canada.

Ovvian’s work can be found in Metro Manila, Cagayan de Oro, Macau, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the USA and Canada.

In Canada, Ovvian Castrillo Hill has been participating and curating the EX SITU Art Exhibit held at the Peace Gallery North, at the North Peace Cultural Center in Fort St. John, BC, since 2019.

She has also entered and was awarded in numerous art competitions, including a public art design and an award trophy design for the City of Fort St. John, as well as an art competition in South Korea.

It is also in Canada that she has embarked on making filmmaking projects – having received 2 grants to create a documentary series for TELUS STORYHIVE.

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For 2023, STEPS Public Art partnered with the City of Fort St. John, with the support of the Fort St. John Arts Council, to support the development of a new temporary public artwork that was exhibited in our community. 

John Lambert was selected as the RECLAIM Public Art Resident, which supports mid-career artists in pursuing public art practices, focusing on using upcycled art or construction materials in creating new work for exhibition. John led a small cohort of youth and young adults through completing a 3-dimensional temporary art installation featuring reclaimed and upcycled materials.

John Lambert is of Cree, Carrier and Métis descent and a third-generation First Nations Carver, living in Fort St. John, BC, with his amazing children. Over the years, John has been awarded commission projects to represent Indigenous Carvers for North Eastern BC, with his work featured in the head offices of the First Nations Health Authority in Vancouver and Prince George, among many other projects. 

Through the years, John’s life has been greatly impacted by addictions, both in his immediate family as well as his community.  As a result, he has become heavily involved in the recovery process – as the Founder and Chairman of the Non-Profit “Project Thunderbird,” which specializes in the mentorship of at-risk youth. Currently, John runs the Indigenous Carving Program at the Fort St. John Association for Community Living, working with a unique and vibrant group of individuals. 

He has been commissioned to work on public art carvings, such as the mother bear and baby cub in the Fish Creek Community Forest, which honours the memory of Amanda Black, who tragically passed due to domestic violence. It is my passion for recovery and healing that has brought me to participate in the RECLAIM project, which unites young artists and the environment together through community, connection and creativity.

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Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Richard relocated to Fort St. John in 2020 with his wife for her career. Richard studied illustration and graphic design at the Alberta University of the Arts in the early 2000s. He has spent the past 15 years working on a wide range of projects, from event pageantry with Hockey Canada for national tournaments, to game and character design for many video games.

More recently, Richard’s focus has shifted to portraiture, street art aesthetics and finding ways to use his artwork to interact with the local community. Richard’s passion for community connection and resiliency through the arts is integrated into everything he does.

For more of Richard’s work, or to enquire about commissions, you can visit his website at www.baywardbell.com.

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Indigo is a Montreal-based multimedia artist working with inks, paints and digital mediums. He began drawing at a young age as a way of bringing to life the characters and worlds that exist in his mind.

Indigo learned most of what he knows from books, online courses, and workshops, but attended the Illustration Program at Dawson College from 2020 - 2022. 

During this time, Indigo also kept himself occupied with several professional projects. He has worked for Montreal companies such as Plateau Astro and JLR Maps and, more recently, through the Artist in Residence - Pilot Program with the City of Fort St. John. 

Indigo’s work displays the explorative and energetic perspective of a young artist.