Marcia Poirier Shell Carver, previously known as Wildabout Wampum, is a unique business specializing in hand-carved jewelry and artistic compositions made from Quahog, Conch, and Abalone shells. Marcia meticulously carves, sands, and polishes each piece, revealing the natural beauty of the shell. Her collections include pendants, earrings, bracelets, and framed compositions. Marcia creates one-of-a-kind pieces by blending traditional carving techniques with her artistic vision.

Acadian artist Marcia Poirier from Moncton, New Brunswick, has spent the past 25 years transforming her creativity into a career in carving and crafting.

Her intricate designs and craftsmanship have gained international recognition, with features in publications and media across North America and Germany.

Today, as both an artist and small business owner, Marcia continues to craft each piece with precision and care, sharing the beauty of New Brunswick’s coastal treasures with customers across Canada and beyond.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, and how you first began creating art with shells?

I discovered my passion in 2001 while exploring a local beach, where I found a shell and carved it into a heart-shaped pendant. That moment sparked a lifelong dedication to the delicate art of shell carving, turning quahog shells into unique and meaningful jewelry.

What is your creative process from idea to finished piece? Can you walk us through how a piece comes to life?

Every shell is different in size, color, and girth. Each shell is sorted by those categories too. I am very limited by the material, so each shell is carefully selected for the intended carving.

How do you select and prepare your shells?

I start by shaving the outer part of the quahog to show me the color throughout the piece. Finding a fine piece without parasites is essential.

What tools or techniques are essential to your shell art?

Everything I use to carve is diamond.

What excites you most about your practice?

The best part of my job, no matter how unglamorous, is to play with my growth lines.

What inspires your shell art?

I’m truly obsessed with ripple patterns in any shell.

How do you handle any challenges or unexpected issues that arise during the creative process?

It’s becoming increasingly challenging to find good, parasite-free, carving shells.

How has living and working in New Brunswick helped and/or inspired you on your journey?

The Northumberland Strait is an amazing source for these shells.

What have you learned about yourself and the artistic community through your work?

How hard we work to validate our love of our craft.

How has your journey as an artist evolved over time? Were there key moments or experiences that shaped how you create today?

When I started in 2001, I had hand tools. Now I have a workshop with many fine tools to facilitate the process of creation.

Describe what you are most proud of in your career.

Even after this many years, my customers will continue to tell me how much these pieces mean to them.

What advice would you give to emerging artists or someone interested in creating shell art?

Make art and never look back!