If it weren't for the talent and energy of the many artists who work with us, Native Northwest and Garfinkel Publications would be a very different entity. We thank our artists for sharing their dreams with us and hope their success exceeds their expectations. Please take some time to get to know the Native Northwest family of artists.

Darrel Amos, Haida

"Painting in Haida style pays tribute to my ancestors' legacy; it is my way of giving back to a very supportive community."

Isaac Bignell, Cree

"Living in harmony with the Earth has taught me to respect the animals and the spirit and power of nature. Through art, singing, and dancing, I attempt to influence Native people to continue their culture and traditional ways."

David R. Boxley, Tsimshian

"Our art is our past, present, and future. It is our visual record: it documents our rich history and stories, as well as our current lives, creating a foundation for where we are going."

Corey Bulpitt, Haida

"Native cultures honour the eagle and are inspired by its vision and ability to soar to the heavens."

Ryan Cranmer, Kwagiulth, born 1980 in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he currently resides.

"Our art is a gift handed down through our ancestors. Art is an essential part of our culture: it tells our stories and reminds us who we are. We have a responsibility to our ancestors, ourselves, and our children to keep our art alive."

Beau Dick, Kwagiulth

"The raven is a symbol of creation for my people. The raven's wings are depicted as hands. The stream of abolone that flows from the raven's beak represents the seeds of creativity."

Ben Houstie, Bella Bella

"Coming from a long line of artists and chiefs, I am committed to continuing our rich tradition through my art."

Eugene Isaac, Kwagiulth

"I was raised in a community rich in culture and immersed in a profound art tradition that is reflected throughout our daily lives."

Mark A. Jacobson, Ojibway

"My paintings portray the experience of my ancestors that have become our legends, stories, and the foundations of our culture."

Maynard Johnny Jr., Salish, Kwagiulth

"I have had the privilege of learning stories from my elders, stories that have been with my people for thousands of years. My way of sharing these stories is through my art."

lessLIE, Coast Salish, born 1973 in Duncan, British Columbia; birth name Leslie Robert Sam.

"In my graduate work I have devoted a great deal of time and energy to the study of Coast Salish art. Through my studies I have come to truly appreciate this unique art form. It is an incredible gift our ancestors have given us. My artwork is intended to bring a greater appreciation of Coast Salish art to Coast Salish communities as well as to the general public. My goal as an artist is to provide a contemporary expression of this ancient and distinctive art form."

Corey W. Moraes, Tsimshian

"I am passionate about creating art that is relevant to today, while maintaining my cultural identity and remembering where my people come from."

Terry Starr, Tsimshian

"My passion is to express my cuture through my art and be part of the revival and continuity of my people's traditions. When painting, I bring our culture to each piece by giving it the style and movement that express our stories in the ways perscribed by my ancestors."

William Wasden Jr., 'Namgis, born 1967 in Alert Bay, British Columbia.

"I enjoy creating our traditional artwork because I believe the Creator gives everyone a gift, and it is to be shared with your people to make them feel good about who they are. Our culture is powerful and we are taught that the artwork is sacred, something to be respected and taken care of. My artwork shares stories and teachings from our ancestors. Most of my art has been used in traditional ceremonies and remains within our Potlatch world. I was an artitst from a young age. My mother, recognising this, took me for lessons with Master Carver and Hereditary Chief Doug Cramner. His strict teaching and discipline still guide my work today. My learning and inspiration also come from the Kwakwaka'wakw artists of old."

Mervin Windsor, Haisla, Heiltsuk

"Perhaps the salmon's survival is a metaphor for our own people's challenges to survive and thrive despite many adversities, and return to the source of our own traditions."

Paul Windsor, Haisla, Heiltsuk born 1979 in Kitamaat, British Columbia.

"I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to learn our cultural ways and am grateful for my ancestors, who kept the stories and traditions alive in the face of adversity. I intend to continue to learn for as long as I live so that I may become a keeper of our history for the future. As part of this evolutionary process of creation, I also hope to create what will become tradition for the generations to come."