Coastal Peoples Gallery
332 Water St Unit 200 V6B 1B6 Vancouver, BC, Canada

Such detailed form lines are masterful Eagle From Above Bracelet by David Neel, Kwakwaka'wakw Nation / Sterling silver, Engraved, Oxidized, Domed & Tapered David Neel has been creating art in the Kwakwaka’wakw style for over thirty years. His paintings, printmaking, carvings, and jewelry are all informed by his heritage. While Neel portrays meaningful stories and traditional values in all of his pieces, he says he finds jewelry the most impactful art form. He appreciates the fact that clients attach their own meaning to his jewelry and that it is used to mark important, personal events in people’s lives.

A kaleidoscope of colour on this Butterfly! Kaleidoscope - State I by Kelly Cannell, Coast Salish (Musqueam) Nation | Serigraph, Edition of 25 Kelly’s work embodies the fluid and continuously evolving nature of contemporary Coast Salish art forms. These art forms are rooted in the knowledge, traditions, and history of the Coast Salish people, and continue to influence and shape the lived experiences of Kelly, her community, and her two young children. Each of her pieces communicate an important story or lesson, which is inspired by the rich Coast Salish culture from which she comes. Ultimately, Kelly’s work reminds us all to respect both our surroundings and each other. As such, her work serves as a poignant commentary on the social, political, and environmental climates of our modern world.

A high-diving Whale emerges from the waves! Emerging Killerwhale by Johnny Mathewsie, Iqaluit / Serpentine, Marble Johnny Mathewsie is an artist descended from long line of artists before him. His grandfather taught him to carve at the age of 12, and since the age of fifteen, he has been supporting himself almost exclusively through carving. In keeping with family tradition, Johnny occasionally carves shamanistic pieces, and his work stylistically shows the influence his family has had on his carving.

We’re wondering what this Bear sees that we do not Waking Bear From Hibernation by Bobby Nokolak Anaviluk, Kugluktuk / Marble Bobby Nokolak Anaviluk comes from the small Arctic hamlet of Kugluktuk. Like many who live in the North, he was raised in the strenuous nomadic lifestyle of the Inuit peoples. He was constantly exposed to the endless natural beauty of the Arctic and its wildlife. Both of his parents were artists and encouraged his natural creative abilities. His father taught him how to carve, imparting on Bobby that every stone has a spirit and, as an artist, it is his job to bring that spirit out through his carving.

The harmony of Coast Salish Swans Swan Dance by Dylan Thomas, Coast Salish Nation / Serigraph, Edition of 100 Qwul’thilum (Dylan Thomas) is a Coast Salish artist from the Lyackson First Nation. He was exposed to Coast Salish art from a young age. He has done some training in jewelry with Seletze (Delmar Johnie) and is currently apprenticing under Randy Cook in all mediums of the art. Other artistic influences for Dylan have been late Art Thompson, Susan Point RCA, and Robert Davidson RCA, who are all acclaimed and internationally-renowned artisans in their own right.

A lovely elongated Loon Loon by Ningeosiak Ashoona, Cape Dorset / Serpentine Ningeosiak Ashoona began carving at a very young age, as she was inspired and mentored by her mother and father. Her grandmother, Piseolak Ashoona, was also a legendary graphic artist, known for helping to develop the graphic arts program in northern Canada. While there are very few female carvers in Cape Dorset, Ningeosiak has made quite a name for herself and continues to create extremely intricate works which are featured in galleries across North America.

A traditional blue captures a contemporary feel for this Bear mask Bear Mask by Sesyaz Saunders, Nuxalk Nation / Red Cedar wood, Cedar rope, Fur, Acrylic paint While his father and grandfather were self-taught, Sesyaz had the privilege of being instructed by his father, Skip Saunders. He taught Sesyaz the fundamental skills of carving and the elemental knowledge of Nuxalk and Northwest Coast formline art. This combination of knowledge and passion, as well as an astounding natural talent, has allowed the young artist to excel in his craft at an early age and create works of art well beyond his years.

The perfect size for a cozy space! Yoe-Yoes (Orca) Panel by Jim Charlie, Coast Salish (Squamish) Nation / Red Cedar wood, Acrylic paint Jim Charlie has been influenced by many well known artists and strives to achieve the utmost quality in his work. He is a versatile artist whose style is refined, uncomplicated, and dimensional, with a northern influence. Jim is one of many Northwest Coast Native artists who are working to uphold their cultural traditions through their artwork and craft.

Where new life begins... Nest by Andy Everson, Kwakwaka'wakw (K'omoks) Nation / Serigraph, Edition of 199 "Although I began drawing Northwest Coast art at an early age, my first serious attempt wasn’t until 1990, when I started designing and painting Chilkat-style blankets for use in potlatch dancing. From these early self-taught lessons, I have tried to follow in the footsteps of my Kwakiutl relatives in creating bold and unique representations that remain rooted in the age-old traditions of my ancestors." ~Andy Everson

A swirl of artistry! Ligwedakw (Unkillable Sea Worm) Cradle Rattle by Johnathan Henderson, Kwakwaka'wakw Nation / Red Cedar wood, Acrylic paint A cradle rattle was specifically created for the purpose of soothing babies in their cribs during ceremonies. Legend states that long ago a woman with supernatural powers bore a child and was the first to use a cradle rattle to calm her child. It was so successful that it became a tradition and was commonly attached to a cradle. The mother would sit a distance away from the cradle and would rock it side to side with a staff.

A Blue Heron in graceful repose. Blue Heron by Richard Shorty, Northern Tutchone / Acrylic on Acid-free paper, 2021 Richard Shorty moved to Vancouver in 1981 and became very involved in the Northwest Coast culture which inspired him to begin painting in the Northwest Coast Native style, specifically Kwakwaka’wakw. He was greatly influenced by such artist’s work as Roy Henry Vickers and Bill Reid. Richard enjoys painting on canvas and making limited edition serigraphs.

Reaching for the Sun Stars and Moon. Raven & Sun by Kevin Daniel Cranmer, Kwakwaka'wakw Nation / Red Cedar wood, Abalone shell, Acrylic paint Kevin Cranmer is an active participant in the continuation of his cultural heritage through the arts. He is a respected member of his community and is an initiated Hamatsa member, one of the most sacred of the complex secret dance societies of the Kwakwaka’wakw. His artistic works not only exhibit and share unique Kwakwaka’wakw formal traditions but also preserve those traditions for future generations.

Cedar bark paper is a rare medium, unique to the works of April White. Conception: Zygote in Telophase III - Copper by April White, Haida Nation | Serigraph on Handmade Cedar bark paper, Edition of 50 All Haida are of either Raven Clan or Eagle Clan... Conception, the beginning of new life, starts with the joining of these two. In this image, the captured instant is of the Human Zygote in Telophase... the parents’ cell begins its division into two identical cells with each having a reorganized nucleus. Here Raven DNA is only recognizable by a long straight beak and Eagle DNA by a curved beak." - April White

Warm copper tones are perfect for Autumn accessorizing! Two Wolves Bracelet by John Lancaster, Kwakwaka'wakw Nation | Copper, Engraved John Lancaster has been making First Nations design jewelry since 1986 and notes that his cousin Alfred Seaweed was instrumental in teaching him the skills of silver and gold jewelry carving. Coming from a family of expert goldsmiths, John’s skills and expertise is revealed in the beautiful jewelry he creates.

A fantastic fusion of basketry and sculpture. Inuit Coiled Basket with Bird Sculpture by Annie Ippak, Sanikiluaq | Coiled lime grass, Thread (coloured), Serpentine The tradition of basket making in the Arctic region was lost mid-1900s, but a few decades ago it was revived because of artists such as Annie Cookie, from Sanikiluaq, who used the memories and knowledge from older generations to recreate the process. Baskets made in the Arctic today are considered to be works of art, and often have bold geometric designs and decorative sculptures and handles on the lids.

Rich red accents are a lovely addition to this miniature box. Raven Bentwood Box by Trevor Angus, Gitksan Nation | Red Cedar wood, Yellow Cedar wood, Acrylic paint Bentwood boxes are made from one single plank of wood through a lengthy steaming process a method strictly adapted by the coastal peoples. The wood is made pliable with heat and moisture and then bent to form a four-sided shape. A separate base and unusually-shaped lid is then carved to complete the box. The box shape was secured to a bottom piece of wood which has been grooved on its edges.

Beautiful beads with accents of gold, copper or silver rims... Killerwhale Spirit Bead by John Lancaster, Kwakwaka'wakw Nation | Sterling silver, Engraved, 14K Yellow Gold Rails Eagle Spirit Bead by John Lancaster, Kwakwaka'wakw Nation | Sterling silver, Engraved, Copper Rails ... Bear Spirit Bead by John Lancaster, Kwakwaka'wakw Nation | Sterling silver, Engraved, Sterling silver Rails The Killerwhale is an important crest symbol, associated with family, power, strength, dignity and communication. The Eagle is seen as a symbol of prestige, power, peace, wisdom and friendship. The Bear symbolizes courage, strength, authority and learned humility. See more

A minimalist mask inspired by an ancient tale... Tiiskiin (Thunderbird) in Human Form Mask by Gordon Dick, Nuu-chah-nulth (Tsheshaht) Nation | Red Cedar wood According to oral tradition, the First Woman once traveled high into the mountains in search of medicine. She eventually stopped to rest and began to quietly sing as she regained her energy. Suddenly, a giant Thunderbird landed nearby, startling the woman. She soon realized that the Thunderbird had not seen her, as the creature began transforming into its human form.

This elegant wrap ring is enhanced with a tasteful touch of gold. Raven with Light Wrap Ring by Alvin Adkins, Haida Nation | Sterling silver, 14K Yellow Gold, Engraved The Raven is the Hero, Creator, Transformer and one of the most important creatures to the coastal First Nations peoples. He is credited, in legend, for releasing the Sun, creating the Moon, Stars and the Universe.

A compelling contemporary design born from traditional Tlingit forms... Tlingit Box Abstract I (Red) by Stan Bevan, Tahltan / Tlingit Nations | Linocut on Rice Paper, Variation I, Edition of 35 Stan Bevan has used both the traditional training approach by apprenticing to his uncle, Dempsey Bob, as well as a formal training course at the Kitanmaax School for Northwest Coast Indian Art. Bevan also learned the traditional dance of his maternal Grandmothers, which has helped him to understand the intricacies and uses of the pieces he creates and served as inspiration for his work.

A status-worthy frontlet with elaborate inlays of Abalone. Beaver Frontlet by Eugene Davidson Jr., Haida Nation | Alder wood, Abalone Shell, Acrylic paint A frontlet is a forehead mask attached to a woven headpiece. It is worn by chiefs and high-ranking individuals as a display of crests and status. Frontlets are often decorated with materials that are symbols of wealth and power: abalone shell, operculum shell, sea lion whiskers, feathers and/or ermine pelts.

This must-read book explores the public artworks of the groundbreaking artist, Susan Point. People Among the People: The Public Art of Susan Point by Robert D. Watt | Hardcover People Among People beautifully displays the breadth and depth of Susan Point's public art, through interviews, images, and archival access. Robert Watt works to illustrate the vital role that Susan has played in re-establishing the Salish footprint in the Pacific Northwest.

These masterfully crafted earrings are nothing short of exquisite. Sdlaayl "Welcoming Hands" Earrings by Gwaai Edenshaw, Haida Nation | 22K Yellow Gold, Impressed, Domed Gwaai Edenshaw's Regalia Line is stylized to resemble fragmented artifacts or a keyhole peek at a larger design. These particular earrings are part of 'Initiation', the inaugural collection by Regalia. 'Initiation' features several one-of-a-kind pieces that merge Haida tradition with modern fashion for a distinct combination of quality and style.

New bracelet styles available now! These lovely new pieces are perfect for anyone who loves the Pacific Northwest Coast bracelet designs, but prefers a more delicate style. Available in a several different designs from a variety of artists, these bracelets give you plenty of enticing options to choose from. You can browse through these new arrivals on our website; simply follow this link: https://coastalpeoples.com/

Visit us in Gastown for a real-life look at our phenomenal poles! Watchman, Eagle, & Bear Totem Pole by Garner Moody, Haida Nation | Red Cedar wood, Acrylic paint Garner Moody was born in Prince Rupert, B.C. on May 27th, 1958. He began carving at the early age of nine and, by age fifteen, he was carving his first piece of argillite. Garner works in various mediums including cedar, gold, argillite and paper all exemplifying his exquisite attention to detail and extraordinary artistic skills.

Take a look at this intriguing printmaking process! Northern Man by Stan Bevan, Tahltan / Tlingit Nations | Woodcut on Rice Paper, Edition of 75 Stan Bevan was born in 1961 in Terrace, British Columbia and raised in the near by village of Kitselas on the Skeena River in Northern British Columbia. His father is Tsimshian from the village of Kitselas. He is Tahltan-Tlingit through his mother’s side and her village of Telegraph Creek, British Columbia.

A closer look reveals the true breadth and depth of this carved masterpiece. Watchman, Eagle, & Bear Totem Pole by Garner Moody, Haida Nation | Red Cedar wood, Acrylic paint Totem poles function symbolically to communicate a strong oral and visual language that bridges all coastal native cultures; from the southern Coast Salish and Nuu chah nulth through to the most northern Haida and Tsimshian Nations. Garner Moody works in various mediums including cedar, gold, argillite and paper all exemplifying his exquisite attention to detail and extraordinary artistic skills.

A charming, one-of-a-kind rattle for your collection! Eagle & Raven Bentwood Box Rattle by Bruce Alfred, Kwakwaka'wakw ('Namgis) Nation | Red Cedar wood, Acrylic paint Rattles were created by the Northwest Coast peoples for the purpose of being used in ceremonies. First Nations groups throughout the coast would act out traditional family legends and stories through rituals and dances.