- Gitkinjuaas (Ron Wilson)
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Box 1468
Skidegate, BC V0T 1S1 - 250-637-1301
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HlGaagilda Skidegate
- [email protected]
“Gitkinjuaas” (which means “Big Man” in Haida) is an artist who also happens to be a Chief. Gitkinjuaas was born in the village of Skidegate but he is the chief of Cumshewa, a small village on the southern part of Moresby Island. Many of his ancestors moved from Cumshewa to Skidegate and have been there ever since. Although little but ruins are left of the original village, Gitkinjuaas and other Cumshewa clan members keep its memory alive through cultural activities and ceremonies as well as through Gitkinjuaas’ artwork.
Gitkinjuaas took up carving as a youngster and later studied formally in Vancouver and Victoria. His works include totems, paddles, jewellery and other items in wildlife and nature themes. He is skilled at both traditional and contemporary imagery.
Gitkinjuaas is intensely connected to the land. In addition to interpreting it through his artwork, he also likes to engage in outdoor activities, particularly food-gathering and fishing. He is active in the community and is a supporter of the Skidegate Haida Immersion Program.
Gitkinjuaas (commonly known as Giitxaas) is one of Haida Gwaii’s most noteworthy carvers and artists. He is known for his skill in wood, argillite, copper, gold and silver carving. Gitkinjuaas studied at the Vancouver School of Art, after which he spent several months in Victoria learning wood carving under well-known Kwakwaka’wakw carver Henry Hunt Sr. Evidence of Gitkinjuaas’ handiwork can be noted in various places throughout Haida Gwaii, most notably in the Tanuu cedar totem pole standing outside of the Haida Heritage Centre in Skidegate (Ḵay Llngaay). It is one of six poles erected to honour Haida villages in southern Haida Gwaii. His work has been shown and honoured in galleries throughout BC. Ron is also an avid poet and has written numerous poetic works.
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Dave’s Custom Carvings
Haida artist Dave Hunter tells stories and legends of his Haida ancestry through his original paintings, silver and argillite carvings. Dave is largely self-taught, learning the art of carving first with wood and then moving on to other mediums. Today is he is most renowned for his silver jewellery, which often depicts animals and mythical creatures. Dave is also responsible for the creation of numerous original paintings which have been made into art cards, post cards and limited edition prints. Dave is active within the Haida community as well as the artists’ community on Haida Gwaii. He was the founder of the Haida Raven Gallery in Masset, a gallery dedicated to promoting the works of Haida artists. Dave’s work has been exhibited and sold in various galleries and venues throughout Haida Gwaii and beyond for more than three decades. Dave is available for custom and commission work.