Our Makers

Master Carver Walter Leslie was born and in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in 1946. He was raised in Fort Fraser, BC, before moving to northern Manitoba, where he learned carving.
He began to carve almost by accident! He was driving a cab when he stopped to watch an indigenous carver. The man needed a workshop, so Walter offered his basement and helped out by polishing the carvings. Other carvers encouraged him to begin carving himself. They readily shared their knowledge and skills!
Walter’s specialty is carving polar bears in alabaster and soapstone. His carvings can be found at galleries in Winnipeg, as well as in museums in The Pas, Thompson, and Churchill.