Maxine Matilpi

Born in Alert Bay, Vancouver, because there was no hospital on Turnour Island, where her family is from and where she was raised. Henry Speck, Tlowitsis chief and renowned artist, was her grandfather. She was trained by her grandmother and mother to make button blankets. She works with her husband and partner, carver John Livingston. They are based in Alert Bay. He designs the central crest, and she designs the over all blanket and motifs applied to borders.