Dagmar Lucak
Born Dagmar Elisabeth Jeschek in Montreal, Canada, 1963, to recent Austrian Immigrants. Dagmar moved to Hope in 1975, and never left.
Nature is her greatest influence. She spent many days and nights camping, hiking, hunting, and fishing in the mountains of B.C. She also lived high above Hope on Mt. Ogilvie for over two years, one of which she spent alone up there in the wilds with the Bears, and the Cougars and the beauty that inspired her to use many of the areas natural finds in her work. She also worked for B.C. Parks for four years covering the 60-km area each day to Ross Lake on the U.S. border and back and saw the wondrous sights of nature every day.
The "Shama Shamam" series name, and the signature of "Shamam" come from My friends of the Yale Indian band, which means "White Woman". This name was the obvious choice for a white woman who creates such native looking works.
Feathers, bark, and branches, bones and stones and antlers, and anything that spurs creative juices are incorporated. Each leather mask is hand stretched, decorated and named according to the spirits that guide her to bring out its individual personality.
No animals are killed for the sake of her art. Some for food, yes.
Most of the feathers are found in nesting areas, and most of the fine furs are old coats, which are no longer fashionable to wear in this day and age. Recycling them to promote the beauty of nature seems a fitting end.
Her masks have found homes all over the world, from Switzerland to South Africa, and Burma. She loves to receive photos showing where they have been hung in their new homes.
Dagmar receives encouragement, love and support from her loving Husband and high school sweetheart, Bill, and her two biggest fans (her Children) Ayla and Emry.