Artist Information
Robert Davidson
Robert is one of Canada’s most respected and important contemporary artists. A Northwest coast native of Haida descent, he is a master carver of totem poles and masks. He also works in a variety of other media as a printmaker, painter and jeweler. He is a leading figure in the renaissance of Haida art and culture. Robert Davidson is best known as an impeccable craftsman whose creative and personal lnterpetationof traditional Haida form is unparalleled.
Stan Greene
Stan is a Salish artist who began carving at the age of 13. In 1978 he did his first Salish designs for the limited edition prints, "Human and Thunderbird" and "Man with Wolves", which are considered to be the first examples of pure Salish design to be marketed in the Northwest Coast art scene. He was invited to carve at Expo 86, representing the Salish people and has traveled to Japan where a 27’ pole that he carved was raised in Yokohama. Stan Greene is devoted to the advancement of Salish culture as today there are only a handful of artists that understand the Salish art form.
Susan Point
Susan began her art career in 1981 with engravings. Later, she began blending, colours, prompting some critics to reject her colour schemes as nontraditional. Although Point was concerned about this reaction, her creative drive prevailed, and soon she was exploring other techniques. Point has been awarded numerous public art commissions, including building facades and large sculptures, and her artwork has been installed at the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC. Susan is realizing her vision that will inspire artists and admirers for generations to come.
Brenda Crabtree
Brenda is the First Nations Coordinator at Emily Carr Institute and holds a BA and MA in Cultural Anthropology. She belongs to the Spuzzum Band and has both Nlaka’pamux and Sto:lo ancestry. Her weaving focuses on traditional fibers such as inner cedar bark, cedar roots, and spruce roots, as well as wool. She has been instrumental in assisting with their First Nations Awareness Day, developing scholarship programs, developing workshops in First Nations Studio Art, Design and Technology and raising the Institute’s profile through such events such as mentorship pole carving program with Rick Harry
Tom Patterson
Tom is a member of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth tribe of Kyouquot on Vancouver Island. He began carving at the age of fifteen with the Arts of the Raven workshop program where he developed his skill under the tutelage of Tony Hunt Sr. He has been influenced by the works of Tim Paul, Don Yeomans, and Art Thompson. Patterson’s artistic journey has been one of discovery, as he gradually develops his repertoire by studying his culture through books, photographs and contactwith the Elders.
Xwa Lack Tun (Rick Harry)
Xwa Lack Tun is an artist whose works are recognized internationally. Healing and growth have become a central theme around the work he does. Rick’s work can be seen throughout the lower mainland,but his most notable pieces are the council table for the sixteen chiefs at the Squamish Nation Band Office, and the cedar doors that adorn the new recreation centre on the Capilano Reserve. Children recognize him from Sesame Street, while others may have seen him on BCTV. The spirit of love is pervasive throughout his work regardless of whether it be working with glass, wood, metal or people.
George Pennier:
George is a talented Sto:lo artist who was born into the Chehalis Band of the Coast Salish people. He is known for his refine style and attention to detail. He creates beautiful masks, totem poles, frontlets, ceremonial dishes, rattles, drums, original paintings, and limited edition prints.
George’s work can be found in collections across Canada, the U.S., Europe, and Japan.
George carves masks, bowls, and plaques out of wood, but also works on limited edition silkscreen prints. He trained and worked alongside artists Tony Hunt, Willis Peters (his cousin), and Floyd Joseph.
Sean Hinton:
Sean Hinton was born in Saskatoon, descends from the Cherokee nation of Oklahoma, and currently lives in Chilliwack. He began carving in 1966 with Salish artist, Rocky LaRock. In 1998 he met Nuu Chah Nuulth artist, Tom Patterson, and began working on projects with him, including a carving demonstration at the Vancouver art Gallery called “Down From The Shimmering Skies”.
Sean says that carving isn’t a job for him, but has become a way of life. He loves to carve and learn about the traditions behind the masks. “Looking at a human face or an animal gives me ideas and inspiration for a few pieces.” He has become involved with the traditional life of the Salish people that live in his area, volunteering at the local Bighouse.
Sean’s work has developed quickly under the eye of his teachers. As evidenced by the many galleries in the United States and Canada that carry his work.. He looks forward to doing more work on pole carving and learning more about this Northwest Coast art form.
Beatrice Eppinga:
Beatrice Eppinga’s Indian name is “Isilayaa” after her mother, who is Chief Weah from the Eagle clan of the Haida Nation. Born on Haida Gwaii 62 years ago, one day Beatrice will inherit the position of chief. She is another of many who spent part of her childhood in a BC residential school.Now living in the Mission area for part of the year, she spends her time with knitting, crocheting, bead work, drum making, moccasins, and doll making. For the past 6 years Beatrice specialized in creating cedar hats, headbands, belts, ties, and more. She spends the rest of her time in the Queen Charlotte Islands where she collects bark and seafood.
Steve Basil:
First Nation artist Steve Basil draws his strength from his origins. A descendant from both the Shuswap and Okanogan territories, he carves a living from his home in Penticton BC. In addition to the beliefs and traditions passed down from the Shuswap and Okanogan cultures, Steve also mentored and received knowledge and direction from respected Elder Richard Rowe Sr., a full blood Cherokee from Oklahoma, USA.
Steve specializes in carved eagles and other indigenous animals fashioned in ivory from walrus, narwhal, or mammoth. He also uses antler from moose, deer, elk, caribou, and horn from buffalo, California bighorn sheep, steer – as well as horn from other continents. His carvings embody the spirit of the animals they come from.
The detail and fine quality of his carvings are without peer. With more than 15 years of knife making and carving, Steve has developed his own distinctive style that has made his creations sought after by art collectors worldwide.
Ivan Wilson:
Ivan Wilson was born and raised in the west coast village of Bella Bella which is also known as the Heiltsuk Nation. He was taught to carve by fellow artist , Dennis Matilipi.
His carving started with wood pieces about 25 years ago, and after nine years of working in that medium, Ivan chose to switch to working with gold and silver. Now carving these metals for over 15 years, collectors of fine native jewellery have sought after his work.
Simon James:
Named “Winadzi”, which means raider, by his Grandfather, Chief James Sewid of the Kwicksuteniuk/Mamalelakala clan of the Kwakwakewakwa people, Simon Daniel James is his “nickname” given to him by his parents. Born in Alert Bay in 1969, and raised in Campbell River, Simon made North Vancouver his home ten years ago when he enrolled at the Vancouver Film School to study animation.
Simon started drawing at a young age, and carving at the age 15. He worked hard and learned much from his father, and other carvers such as Wayne Alfred and Beau Dick. In his twenties, he won awards at carving competitions and was encouraged to continue on with more.
Although Simon’s carving style has been criticized by some peers and family as being wild and untamed, top galleries in the NorthWest Coast area and customers from around the world keep coming back for more. Simon believes strongly in his culture. He is a dancer, writer and storyteller, through these he hopes that the younger generation will not forget where they come from and continue with the culture and traditions that he was taught by his ancestors before him.
Two episodes of the computer-animated stories called “Raven Tales” are Simon’s most famous pieces, recently taking him to the United Nations to share with the members there. These DVDs are available in the Xá:ytem Gift Gallery
Little Bear:
Little Bear was born in Turkey 48 years ago as Mehmet Ekisi. He came to Canada in 1968 during the World Exposition and was later adopted into the Haida nation for his devotion to the people.
Although Little Bear learned to carve when he was seven years old, he was taught the art of native carving from a native elder in Chehalis who owned a store called the Circle Spirit.
Joe Campbell:
Joe is a member of the Musqueam Nation and was born and raised on the Musqueam reserve in Vancouver. He has two daughters and one grandchild.
Joe started carving in wood as a teenager, perfecting his skills on small pieces. Today he has established a reputation as a fine carver of totem poles, talking sticks, bentwood boxes and plaques.
Vikki Harper:
Victoria Harper was a New Year’s baby born January 1st 1979, in Vancouver. Her family comes from the Kwakiutl nation of Alert Bay. Growing up in a family full of artists such as Lloyd Wadhams, her father Charles Harper, Dennis Matilpi. Glen Harper, Doug Harper, Cheryl Wadhams, and Paddy Seaweed, has been a major influence in her life and work.
She began apprenticing about 10 years ago, and carving 5 years ago. Now her works can be found in such places as the Silver Gallery on Robson Street, Raven and The Bear on Granville Island, the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, and galleries in Whistler. Vikki specializes in gold and silver with each piece having its own story and design.
Les Harper:
Les is a member of the Carrier nation of Vanderhoof, BC. This small cultural group is located in the northern coastal region of BC. (This isn’t about the artist) The predominant crest figure of the Harper family is the frog, which represents luck, prosperity and stability
Born in 1969, Les began to carve in cedar at a young age under the guidance of his uncles, Doug Charlie and Glen Harper – all noted native carvers.
Teresa Walker:
Teresa is a British Columbia native of Nlhazampx and Okanogan decent. Since the birth of her daughters, she has made a transition from working in the film industry to exploration with her artwork. The re-discovery of her native heritage fosters her creativity and influences her work. Teresa is self-taught, and she combines both a contemporary and traditional medium in her work.
Teresa’s work has been shown throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe.
Garnet Tobacco:
Garnet is a full blood Cree from Moose Lake, Manitoba. He was self taught, and was encouraged by his late cousin, Isaac Bignell to develop his artistic talent. The traditional images and brilliant colours are trademarks of Garnet’s work. His pieces are collected worldwide.
Ron Larochelle:
Doondaasquaisan “The boy who shook the earth”-Born in Prince Rupert just following an earthquake in 1949.Ron is a hereditary chief, raven dancer, teacher, and artist. Ron began his art at the age of 12 apprenticing with his grandfather, Robert Williams. From his grandfather he developed a skill with paper and wood. Ron (did he study with them? If not write: has been deeply influenced by the works of Claud Davidson. He took graphic arts at BCIT, and Language Fine Arts at Langara College. Ron has apprenticed students in the art of silver jewellery. He worked with the Vancouver School Board for sixteen years teaching NorthWest Coast art to troubled youth. Ron gets the inspiration for his work through his family, teachers, and friends. Ron Larochelle puts his imaginative designs on silkscreen prints, silver and gold jewellery, blankets, and carved wood.
Phil Janze :
Born in Hazelton’s Git’ksan tribe in 1950, Phil Janze is one of Canada’s outstanding jewellery artists. In 1982 and 1984, he was recognized by the Canadian Jewellers Challenge for creating one of the six finest jewellery pieces in Canada.
Janze has his own studio, where he produces not only his fine original pieces, but also a line of cast pieces, designed and executed personally. His work is represented in many public and private collections internationally.
Leslies Isaac Hampton
Born in Lytton BC, and raised in Victoria Beach, Manitoba, Les learned all about freshwater fishing and wildlife during his early years. At the age of 17, he returned to his roots as an Interior Salish native, to be where his mother had grown up.
He was astonished by the animals that the Rocky Mountain Interior had to offer and was drawn in by how much his uncle Patrick McKay was using these animals to tell stories in his woodcarvings. This same uncle, who is paraplegic, was his inspiration and motivation to carve. Les dedicates his carvings to his mother and father. He began carving with driftwood from Lake Winnipeg, but has more recently switched mediums to soapstone. He tries to capture nature and human forms in their actual states, but can also do the traditional form of Interior Salish.
Alvin Adkins
Born in Prince Rupert, British Columbia in 1959, Alvin Adkins is a self-taught artist who works in the mediums of gold, silver and has released a number of highly sophisticated art prints. Alvin is known for his intricate and deeply carved designs and his integrity and excellence is experienced with every art piece.
Beginning his career as an artist in 1971, Alvin has been counselled by distinguished colleagues such as Dempsey Bob, Freda Diesing, Bill Reid, Robert Davidson and Don Yeomans.
Rory Dawson
Rory Dawson is from the remote village of Gwayi (Kingcome Inlet). Rory is of Kwa kwa ka wakw Nation descent, and is of the Mountain Goat clan (ninalk'inuwx).
"I was deeply immersed in my cultural heritage at an early age, and I have had many opportunities in observing many fine artists at work. I am inspired and very grateful for the many artists who are encouraging me in my journey so far. Accomplished artists of all mediums, such as Gilbert Dawson, Peter Dawson, Jay Simeon, and David Neel whom I began my apprenticeship under. It is important for us artists to learn and remember the stories, teachings, songs, dances, and honour our ancestors by passing them onto our children."
Rory was very instrumental in forming thje Kwa kwa ka wakw urban dance in 1993 which is still in existence today. The group shares songs and dances to educate the world about the Kwa kwa ka wakw history and culture.
Rory now resides in North Vancouver, and is striving to enhance his training by studying the Kwa kwa ka wakw designs, he is a determined artist working in the medium of hand engraving using both gold and silver, however he is working to be an all rounded artists by studying the art of print making, totem carving, and mask carving
Tony Hunt
The art of hereditary Kwagiulth Chief and master carver, Tony Hunt, is a contemporary expression of an ancient and unbroken design tradition of the native people of the West Coast of Canada.
Tony's future as a master carver and designer was established at birth. His grandfather, Mungo Martin, tied baby eyelashes to a paintbrush to spiritually confirm the child's future as an artist. As a young boy, Tony apprenticed as a carver and painter and learned traditional ceremonial dances and songs in the big house of his grandfather. The contemporary aspect of Tony’s work can be seen on high quality clothing designs, dance regalia, even T-shirts.
Chief Tony Hunt's two and tree dimensional works are represented in public and private collections throughout the world. His monumental sculptured works are found along coastal British Columbia, in the Museum of Man as well as being exhibited in the United States, Mexico, Argentina, England, Germany, New Zealand, China and Japan.
Tony says of his designs: "To my people clan and family identities were proudly displayed everywhere and on every item of daily life. I continue to create designs that speak of the greatness of the Kwagiulth traditions."
Robert Thomas:
Robert was born into the Coast Salish Nation in Mission, British Columbia in 1969, and has the Bear as his family crest. Robert began carving in 1990 inspired by the works of fellow native artists Dennis Leon and George Pennier. He specializes in masks and paddles and is recognized for his attention to detail and how accomplished he has become in a short time. Robert continues the traditions of his culture through dances, canoe paddling and carving to preserve the integrity of his native culture and heritage.
Kelvin Thompson:
Kelvin Thompson was born November 5, 1958 in Ebb and Flow, Manitoba, which is located in the mid-region of Canada. Kelvin has been carving since 1978. He worked with Barry Wilson on wooden panels for the Vancouver Indian Centre. In the early 80's Kelvin worked with Derek Wilson carving silver and gold jewellery and he apprenticed with Henry Robertson working on totem poles and panels, which are on display at the Vancouver Indian Centre. Although Kelvin is of Sealteaux descent, he grew up with the influence of west coast people: as he was adopted into the family of Henry Robertson, Barry Wilson and Derek Wilson are of the Henaaksiala people, a branch of the Haisla First Nation. Kelvin's designs, whether in gold, silver, ivory or wood, reflect his attention to detail and superb craftsmanship.
Garnet Tobacco:
Garnet Tobacco was born in 1964 at Moose Lake, Manitoba, 400 miles north of Winnipeg. He comes from a family of five children and is full-blooded Cree. Like many Native-Canadian artists, Garnet is self-taught and his works seem to be much more vital and alive than many schooled artists. He combines brilliant colours with smooth flowing lines to produce works of great visual appeal. They are known to be in collections in Japan, Germany, Australia, Canada and the United States. Garnet Tobacco is one of a growing number of young aboriginal artists destined to revitalize, by visual expression, the cultural aspirations of the Native peoples of Canada.
Johnny Maynard Jr.
Maynard Johnny Jr. was born April 4, 1973 in Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada. He's of Kwagiulth and Coast Salish decent. Maynard now lives in Chemainus, B.C. He began drawing at the early age of six, and began painting and drawing Native art at the age of seventeen. Maynard’s traditional Salish style Museum Quality Art Prints are shown at many high-end gallerys on Vancouver Island and Vancouver with a worldwide distribution. The North West Coast is enriched by this young artist’s passion for excellence.
Maynard’s next goal is to be known for his carving. Maynard has won a number of competitions, and hopes people will enjoy his art in the years to come.
Karl Harris:
Karl Harris is from Seabird Island, Sto:lo Nation that is located in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia. Karl has been designing his own clothing line for nine years. He uses high quality Melton and cashmere wool material to create his garments and accessories. The designs are appliquéd with wool, ultra suede, and contemporary satin finishes.
Gentle Bear:
Gentle Bear was born in Vancouver BC of Blackfoot/Apache and Métis decent. Gentle Bear learned traditionally how to weave dream catchers, by watching her aunt. Her creativity comes from her visualizations. These visualizations make each dream catcher unique.
Gentle Bear realized the extent to her artistic abilities two and half years ago when she started making wishing feathers. Gentle Bear’s dream catchers and wishing feathers have been shown in Canada and the United States.
