Brian was born in China of missionary origin. After living his first nine years in China and Japan, he moved to Alberta for further schooling. Here, he was raised in a country setting in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

Throughout his life he has not only shown a good eye for colour, shape and detail, but also has developed a creative talent in his many 'hands-on' ventures.

After attending Ryerson College in Toronto, Ontario, taking a Photo and Graphic Arts course, Brian toured Alaska and worked in the Yukon. He settled in the Comox Valley in the mid 70's. He has recently retired from commercial fishing and is now devoted to full time wood turning. He has been studying with the master turner, Jason Marlow, learning the techniques used in wood turning in the expression of strong, graceful form.

Artist's Comments:
Much of the wood I use was cut 20 to 40 years ago and recently purchased  in logging communities across Vancouver Island. Due to age and climatic conditions, much of the wood has developed inherent cracks. All of these have been stabilized in the creative process, yet left to give the pieces character and symbols of age. All of the pieces are for dry use only (fruit, dried flowers, or simply for display). The finish may be maintained with an application of clear paste wax and buffed with a soft dry cloth.

As for Brian & Nancy Street as a team….Back in Southern Ontario in the early 70's a friendship was formed that would lose touch across oceans and continents, only to find itself on Vancouver Island many years later! Here, Brian & Nancy Street, now happily married, have been carving out a path inspired by their love of nature and its fruits. The art work that has transpired marries unique and rare pieces of burl turned to perfection by Brian Street and fitted with the gentle and flowing stone creations of Nancy Street. This husband and wife duo have carved quite a name for themselves, blending both their skills and elements to create a harmonized piece of art work.

The end result, wall hangings and sculpture, using ancient burls, which are becoming more and more rare as the old growth is logged to extinction. These burls, after being cured and dried for decades, then go on to be turned by Brian on an outboard rigged lathe. Balancing these heavy pieces and turning them into works of art is a process 'too scary for Nancy to watch'! The edges are often left natural, or accented by burning or copper patina, then 'married' with an ever-changing array of Nancy's stone carvings. Here, birds or whales are often the subject of choice, as they 'lend themselves so well to the natural flow of the pieces'.