With a lifelong affection for animals and fond childhood memories of the outdoors, Mark Nordquist’s evolution as an artist clearly has roots in his childhood. An Eagle Scout at the age of 13, Mark developed not only an early love of nature, but four other traits that would figure strongly into his work: creativity, competition, a can-do attitude and a passion for playfulness.

The brother of a gifted painter, Nordquist initially chose a different career direction, first becoming a professional athlete and later an entrepreneur. His first career spanned 9 years when he played in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Chicago Bears. Post-football, he was co-founder of DonJoy, today dj Ortho, world’s largest manufacturer of knee braces, and later he become a successful real estate developer specializing in ocean view homes.

Quite by accident Mark discovered the artist within when he launched what was initially to be a hobby. A chess player since childhood, Mark was also an avid scuba diver when he decided to sculpt his first chess pieces. Beginning without instruction, he combined his two loves to create a sea animal themed chess set; what emerged was a natural talent and ultimately the onset of his next career. Today, the signature works of Mark Nordquist Studio are oversized, animal-themed chess sets -- with creatures of the Jungle, Desert, Rocky Mountains and African Plains -- each set cast in bronze, resting on a handcrafted board of wood or stone.

Nordquist has gone on to sculpt many creatures--some whimsical, some realistic, others inspired by moments in his own life--and he has begun doing commissions. In 2006, he expanded his collection with the addition of The Double Take Series, a line of stylized assembly sculptures made of bronze and stainless steel rods, many with hidden aspects requiring a second look.

Mark -- who describes his life as "living the dream" -- lives with his wife, Joy, their black Labrador, and a crazy cat, in the home he built overlooking the oceon in Carlsbad, California. Each year, a portion of profits of Mark Nordquist Studio is donated to animal or habitat preservation groups.