Artists

Tim Alfred -  Kwakwaka'Wakw

Totems, masks, plaques, paddles

Born in Alert Bay, BC in 1967, Tim moved to the village of Fort Rupert in 1985. In 1989 at a memorial potlatch for his brother, Tim’s mother's family placed him in the family's chief position at the big house in Alert Bay where Tim received the name "Mus-cum-tsi" which symbolizes the four clans of the Kwakwaka'Wakw Nation. Tim started carving at the age of 20 and was mainly taught by his cousin Stanley Hunt (the son of master carver Henry Hunt). He has also been influenced by Wayne Alfred, Calvin Hunt & Beau Dick. He carves masks, paddles, panels, totems and rattles and his work is usually knife-finished. 


Gordon Allen - Kwakwaka'Wakw

Plaques, masks, totems, paddles

Born in 1972 and from the village of Fort Rupert of the Kwakwaka'Wakw Nation. Gord has been carving since 1991 and was taught by Len Paquette.


Richie Brown - Coast Salish

Plaques, paddles, totems

Of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, Richie was born in 1999 and grew up surrounded by his father Noel Brown's art and his Coast Salish culture. His other influences are his uncles, Richard and Matthew Baker. Richie started to learn carving techniques in 2014 and continues to learn and evolve his art.


Noel Brown - Coast Salish

Totems, masks, plaques, paddles, jewellery

Noel is of the Snuneymuxw Band of the Coast Salish Nation, as well as having ties to the Kwakwaka'Wakw Nation. He was born in 1970 and has been carving since 1995. He was taught by Richie & Matthew Baker, Doran Lewis, and Craig Manson. He's been commissioned to carve totem poles for the city of Nanaimo, while also expanding his media from silver and wood to metal and ceramics with the help and support of his amazing wife Tammy. Coming from a proud carving background, both of Noel's grandfathers were great carvers, and Noel is now passing on his skills to his son Richie.


Robert Cecil - Tsimshian

Masks, totems, plaques

Born in 1955, in Duncan, B.C., Rober is from the Coast Salish (mother) and Tsimshian (father) Nations. Robert is a self-taught artist and has been carving since 1983. The blending of the two nations has created a striking yet traditional style of artwork that is unique; very much like Robert himself. He loves to create a variety of different items such as bowls with movable parts, totem poles with animals from both regions (mountain goat, beaver, killer whale), plaques and combs.

 

Art Charlie - Nuu-Chah-Nulth

Plaques, paddles, crib boards, masks, totems

Art is the resident carver at Northwest Origins, and we proudly carry a selection of his stunning work. Born in Tofino, B.C. in 1957, Art is of the Ahousat Nation.


Clarence D. Charlie II - Coast Salish

Plaques, paddles, totems

Born in 1985, Clarence is from the Tsartlip Band of the Coast Salish Nation. He has been carving since 2005 and is mostly self taught, but has been influenced by a few Coast Salish and Nuu-Chah-Nulth carvers. The bright colours in his artwork are painted by his wife Tanya. Also helping in this family of artists is his son Clarence, who has started carving as well.


William Cook - Kwakwaka'Wakw

Panels, jewellery

William was born in Alert Bay on Cormorant Island and is part of the Namgis Tribe of the Kwakwaka'Wakw Nation. William was taught by Fran Dick, Patrick Seaweed, Henry Nelson, and his grandfathers. He works with multiple media such as silver, gold, copper and red and yellow cedar. He has been carving and designing since the late 80s.

 

Silas Coon- Kwakwaka'Wakw

Totems, plaques, masks

Silas was born in 1963 in Alert Bay on the ancestral land of the Kwakwaka'Wakw. At the age of 11, Silas moved to Gilford Island where Jim King, a chief who presided at the potlatch, carved a dilapidated school house. When Silas saw the chief’s work, he decided to become a carver. Many artists contributed to Silas's education, including Beau Dick from 1985-1998, during which time he learned to carve masks, poles and canoes.


Nancy Dawson - Kwakwaka'Wakw

Jewellery

Born in 1954 in Alert Bay, Nancy is part of the Mamaleleqala-qwe-qwa-sotenox Nation. Her mother, Catherine Beans, raised Nancy in the "potlatch circle" which contributed greatly to Nancy's sound understanding of her culture, and inspired her to begin designing artwork. She started carving totem poles and masks in 1980, working with red and yellow cedar. In1990 she expanded her repertoire to include carving with silver and gold. She is proud to pass on her experience to her nephew and apprentice Vincent Henson.


Gilbert Dawson - Kwakwaka'Wakw

Masks, totems, plaques

Gilbert Dawson was born in 1984 in Alert Bay B.C., and has been immersed in First Nations culture and artwork from the start. At age 11, he started learning how to carve and within the first 5 years he worked with and was being taught by Beau Dick. He was taught the values of First Nations art by Bruce Alfred, while Sam Shaughnessy taught him the use of traditional tools and painting skills. Don Svanvyk was influential in teaching him the steps of a mask, and Gary Peterson and Joe Wilson showed him the art forms of design. Gilbert has also immersed himself in the Kwakwala language and has learned more than 75 ceremonial songs. He has taken part in winter ceremonies within the community, singing for hosts of feast and potlatches and continuing to learn the ways of his heritage.


Connie Edwards - Coast Salish

Plaques, paddles

Born in 1965, Connie Edwards was part of the Penelakut First Nations, and was taught to carve by her father Lester Edwards and grandfather Henry Edwards in 1991. She was able to pass on her skills to her daughter Dora Edwards, before she passed away in 2021.


Dora Edwards - Coast Salish

Plaques, paddles

Dora Edwards was born in 1983 and is from the Penelakut Island First Nations. She was taught how to carve at the age of ten by her mom Connie Edwards. Dora also has taken Native Studies in school which has helped her expand and develop her carving and painting skills.


Patrick Edwards - Coast Salish

Plaques, totems, paddles

Born in Chemainus, BC in 1974, Patrick is part of the Penelakut First Nations in the Coast Salish Region. He was taught to carve plaques, totems, and paddles by his father Floyd Edwards.


Wilson George - Nuu-Chah-Nulth

Masks

Wilson A. George’s First Nations name is "CHII-NIAHTT", and he is part of the Tla-O-Quiaht First Nation, located on Vancouver Island. George started his carving career under the tutelage of his uncle Tim Paul and Patrick Amos in 1990. He feels blessed to have also had the opportunity to be influenced by the late Art Thompson, as well as the late father and son team of Tony Hunt Sr and Jr. 


Ross Henderson - Kwakwaka'Wakw 

Paddles

Born in 1970 in Alert Bay, BC, Ross is a member of the Kwagulth and Namgis First Nations of the Kwakwaka'Wakw. Ross started to design and carve in 1985, and is a self taught artist who was influenced by the amazing artists from within his immediate and extended family.  He works mostly with wood, red and yellow cedar, and makes paddles, masks, plaques and panels.


Vincent Henson - Kwakwaka'Wakw

Jewellery

Born in 1992 in Victoria, BC, Vincent is from the Kwakwaka'Wakw Nation. He has been apprenticing with his aunt, Nancy Dawson, and creating his own designs since the young age of seven. His beautiful pieces of jewellery include pendants, earrings, rings and bracelets and have been sold to people from around the world.


John Henry Hunt - Kwakwaka'Wakw

Masks, panels, totems

Born in 1974 in  Alert Bay, B.C., John Henry is part of the Kwagulth First Nation of the Kwakwaka'wakw region. John Henry was inspired by his grandfather, well-known artist, Henry Hunt and was taught by his cousin Tony Hunt Jr in 1991. With a family of master carvers, John Henry took up the mantle and started to create amazing pieces of traditional and contemporary Kwagulth artwork.

 

Dave Jacobson - Kwakwaka'Wakw

Masks, plaques, totems

Born in Alert Bay, BC in 1956, Dave lives in Fort Rupert and is part of the Kwakwaka'Wakw First Nation.  He was inspired by his great grandfather Mungo Mart, his grandmother Lucy Nelson (Martin), his great uncle Herbert Martin, and his father Larry Jacobson. At the young age of four, Dave was taught the rhythm and beat to the "Hamatsa" while his great Uncle Herbert sang the lyrics. As a child, he often visited Willie Seaweed to watch him carve and Tom Johnson, who would practice dancing while wearing the traditional dance masks. These lasting experiences inspired Dave to initially focus on the carving of ceremonial dance masks.

 

Jonathan Jacobson - Kwakwaka'Wakw

Masks, totems, plaques

Born in Port Alice, BC in 1964, Jonathan embraces his culture with his carvings as well as participating in traditional Kwakwaka'wakw ceremonies by singing, drumming and dancing. Jonathan started his carving career in 2004. Though self-taught, he was surrounded by an amazing array of talented artists who have influenced his work. He takes the stories of his heritage and transforms them into artwork, mainly in the form of masks, totems and drums. Jonathan also harvests his own cedar bark for skirts and ropes to adorn these creations.


Rick Johnson - Kwakwaka'Wakw 

Jewellery

Born on Gilford Island  in 1959, Rick is part of the Gilford Island Band of the Musgama First Nation in the Kwakwaka'Wakw region. Taught by Frank Nelson, Rick has been carving since 1998, creating beautiful pieces of jewellery in silver and gold.


David Mungo Knox - Kwakwaka'Wakw

Masks, plaques, totems, paddles, panels

Born in 1974, David is the great grandson of Master Carver Mungo Martin, and is the hereditary Head Chief of the Kwakiutl First Nations. David apprenticed under his uncle, Master Carver Tony Hunt Sr. and his cousin Tom Hunt in 1991. David insists on carrying on his family traditions, preserving the unique Kwakiutl style of artwork by using red and yellow cedar.


Don Lancaster - Kwakwaka'Wakw

Jewellery

Born in 1965, in Hazelton, BC, Don spent most of his formative years in Alert Bay, BC. In 1981, Don decided to learn more about his Kwakwaka'wakw roots by apprenticing under his uncle and well known carver, Norman Seaweed. He quickly discovered a natural talent for the craft and started selling his work to galleries throughout BC. Don is constantly creating dynamic pieces of jewellery that showcase his heritage.


John Lancaster - Kwakwaka'Wakw

Jewellery

Born in 1960 in Alert Bay, BC, John is part of the Namgis First Nation of the Kwakwaka'wakw. John started learning to carve in the late 1980's, learning from his uncles Patrick, Norman and Alfred Seaweed, who are well known for their talents with jewellery. He works with copper, silver and gold and has also joined forces with his wife Bambi to incorporate beading.


Herb Lancaster - Kwakwaka'Wakw

Jewellery 

Born June 8, 1970 in Alert Bay, BC, Herb is part of the Nimpkish First Nation of the Kwakwaka'wakw region. Herb credits his uncles, Alfred, Patrick and Norman Seaweed and his brothers John and Don Lancaster for teaching him the art of carving jewellery. He has been creating amazing silver and gold pieces since 2006.


Chris Lines - Kwakwaka'Wakw

Paddles, masks, totems, plaques, panels, paintings

Born in Victoria, BC  in 1976, Chris is from the Namgis First Nation of the Kwakwaka'wakw Region. He was taught to carve by his uncles Richard, Tony and Stan Hunt, as well as his cousins Trevor and Jason Hunt. One of his favourite designs is the Komo-Kwa (Chief of the Sea). Chris works mostly with cedar and canvas, melding traditional and contemporary styles.


Simon Louie - Coast Salish

Plaques

Born in 1981 in Saanich, B.C, Simon belongs to the Pauquachin First Nation in the Coast Salish region. He was taught how to carve by Elliott Q. Jones and Wayne Thomas in 2000, and has since started to teach his son, Tyrone, his skills.

 

Ned Matilpi - Kwakwaka'Wakw

Masks, totems, plaques

"Lus-Toos-Las" was born in 1957 and grew up in Alert Bay, on the west coast of British Columbia. He is part of the Ma'amtagila First Nation and is proud of his Kwakwaka'wakw and Tlingit heritage. In 1978, he started to learn the art of carving from his late father Oscar Matilip, but also worked with and was taught by Doug Cranmer (Palnukwala Wakas), Jimmy John, Jake James and Bruce ('Malidi) & Harold Alfred. Ned was also inspired by his friend and fellow tribesman Beau Dick ('WalasGwa'yam). Carving totem poles, masks for ceremonial and retail, bowls, canoes, paddles and panels, Ned's talent reaches through both contemporary and traditional styles.


Gilbert Pat - Coast Salish

Jewellery

Gilbert Pat is from the Chawathil band of the Sto:lo First Nation. Taught to carve in 1976 by Master Carver Lloyd Wadams Sr., Gilbert creates beautiful pieces of jewellery in copper, silver and gold. Gilbert is now passing on his carving talent to his sons Jeff and Jason Pat.   

 

Jeff Pat - Coast Salish

Jewellery

Born in 1969, Jeff is part of the Chawathil Band of the Sto:lo First Nation. Jeff has been carving with silver and gold since 1990 and  was taught by his father, Gilbert Pat. 

 

Delbert Peter - Coast Salish

Plaques, dishes, paddles

Born in 1974, in Victoria BC, Delbert is part of the Penelakut Island First Nation in the Coast Salish Region. Learning to carve in high school in 1991, he was taught by his teacher Walter Stochenhoff and was influenced by Coast Salish artist Marvin Joe. His favourite animals to carve are Salmon, Raven and Orca. 

 

Alfred Robertson - Kwakwaka'Wakw

Masks, totems, plaques, paddles, bentwood boxes

Born in Alert Bay, BC in 1950, Alfred was taught how to carve traditional masks, plaques, totem poles, paddles and rattles by his father, William Robertson. Alfred belongs to the Kingcome Inlet Band which is part of the Tsawataineuk First Nation of the Kwakwaka'wakw region. His passion for carving, pride in his culture, and the need to pass on to future generations his knowledge and stories is why he continues to create beautiful works of art.


Sarah Robertson - Kwakwaka'Wakw

Totems, bentwood boxes, masks, plaques

Born in Nanaimo, BC in 1972, Sarah is proud to be part of two different nations:  Snuneymuxw First Nation and Kingcome Inlet First Nation. Sarah was taught to carve totem poles, masks, talking sticks, rattles, bentwood boxes and paddles by her uncle Sampson Robertson and her father Alfred Robertson. She is constantly exploring different animals and concepts to meld traditional and contemporary styles.

 

Patrick Seaweed - Kwakwaka'Wakw

Jewellery

Patrick (Paddy) Seaweed  was born in 1955 in Alert Bay, BC and is part of the Nimpkish First Nation in the Kwakwaka'wakw region. He started carving jewellery in 1977 when his cousin, renowned Master Carver Lloyd Wadhams Sr., started to mentor him. Working for the past four decades at perfecting his artwork, Paddy is surrounded by a family of artists including his brothers, nephews, nieces and cousins.


Gino Seward - Kwakwaka'Wakw/Coast Salish

Plaques, paddles, totems

Born in 1972 in Nanaimo, BC, Gino is part of the Snuneymuxw First Nations in the Coast Salish region, but also has family ties to the Kwakwaka'wakw region.  Gino started learning the skills to carve from his grandfather William Robertson and his uncles Alfred and David Robertson at the age of 10. He carves plaques, totem poles, paddles and panels.

 

Bambi Smith - Coast Salish

Plaques

Born in Ladysmith, BC, Bambi is part of the Cowichan First Nations of the Coast Salish region. Bambi was taught by her father John Bagley Sr., as well as  Frances Horne Sr., Elliott Q. Jones and Ike Charlie. She has been carving wood plaques since 2003.  

 

Gilbert Smith - Coast Salish

Plaques, paddles, totems

Born in 1978 in Ladysmith, BC, Gilbert is a member of the Penelakut First Nation in the Coast Salish region. Gilbert has been carving since 1992, and was taught by Glen Edwards in the traditional Coast Salish style. He enjoys carving a wide range of animals and figures, bringing a small part of his culture and heritage to the rest of the world.

 

Joseph Sylvester - Coast Salish

Masks, totems, plaques

Born in 1962, Joseph is part of the Cowichan and Tsawout First Nations in the Coast Salish region. Joseph started designing and carving at the young age of eight, learning from Simon Charlie, Melvin Good, Floyd Joseph and Charles Elliot. He has been invited to Europe to exhibit his traditional Coast Salish style of art, which included masks, totem poles and talking sticks.

 

Kevin Sylvester - Coast Salish

Masks, plaques

Born in 1982 in Victoria BC, Kevin is part of the Tsawout First Nation in the Coast Salish region. He started learning to carve at the age of nine, being taught by his father, Master Carver Joseph Sylvester. Kevin has carved masks, plaques, totem poles and paddles, proudly carrying on his cultural heritage.

 

Russell Tate - Nuu-Chah-Nulth

Masks, plaques, paddles

Russell is a member of the Dididaht First Nation, and is from the small village of Nitinath, on the coast of Vancouver Island, BC. He started carving in 2004, and is mainly self-taught, which allowed him to develop his own style. He beautifully blends traditional Kwakwaka'Wakw and Coast Salish design elements with his own uniquely abstract approach. His bold use of colour makes his work stand out as well. Russell's work is also influenced by the artist Art Thompson. He specializes in masks, paddles and totem poles. Together with his wife Sheryl (McKay) Tate, who is a well known master weaver of cedar bark and grass, they harvest their own materials such as red and yellow cedar. Throughout his years of carving, he has had the privilege of working with Ben David and Cecil Dawson on various projects.


Linda Williams - Nuu-Chah-Nulth

Totem poles

Born in 1961 in Vancouver, BC, Linda belongs to the Ditidaht First Nations in the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Territory on Vancouver Island. She is very proud to belong to a multi-generational carving family and the third generation of women carvers. She started carving at the age of 18 and was taught by her sisters Nancy and Rita Williams.

 

Barbara Williams - Nuu-Chah-Nulth

Totems, masks, jewellery

The youngest of her siblings, Barbara was born in 1966. She is part of the Ditidaht First Nations in the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Territory on Vancouver Island. Barb was taught to carve at the age of 14 by her family members Rita, Nancy, Dave, Ray, Eric, Sam and Rick Williams. She works with cedar, silver and gold, carving totem poles, plaques, masks and jewellery, and is proud to continue her part as a third generation woman carver within seven generations of carvers.