Fredrick Lyle Spence (Thunder Bear) was born and raised in Peguis First Nation. He has enjoyed being creative in various forms for most of his life. Upon graduation from high school at 16 years old, Fred moved to Winnipeg where he worked construction for 5 years before discovering a specific interest in electrical work. He went on to become a journeyman electrician and successfully completed electrical engineering technology diploma. For a variety of reasons, during his early years of adulthood Fred developed a substance abuse issue. It was art that allowed him to successfully take his life back.

Initially it was woodworking that he found to be beneficial for his mental wellbeing and shortly thereafter developed a love of soapstone carving. Fred’s emotions and feelings go in to his artwork and all represent particular stages of his recovery. He currently volunteers at Siloam Mission, where he teaches soapstone carving in hopes that the art form will benefit others as it has him.