This Haida circular wall panel features a seal chasing four salmon. Two of the salmon are lifted off the main piece for a 3-D effect! Measures 20 inches across and is priced at $2000. Intricate carving is decorated with black, gray, blue, and red paint. The piece has a cedar rope border and multiple eye inlays in Mother-of-pearl.

The artist was born in Juneau, Alaska, and has established himself out of Sitka, becoming an artist that Sitkans take much pride in. He is a well known artist throughout Southeast Alaska and beyond. He is currently working out of his home in Port Townsend, Washington. His work ranges in size from small decorative pieces to large scale wall pieces and are intricate with beautifully hand crafted details.

As a descendant of the Haida Nation and a member of the Eagle Frog family, he takes pride in his native roots. This is at the heart of his journey in mastering this tribe’s unique art style.

From the time the artist was young he was fascinated with the work of Sitkan artists Benny Benson and Kermit Olson. He recalls delivering newspapers as a boy and stopping to watch as these artists labored over their amazing works of art.

At the age of 16, his artistic career was launched when his high school art teacher took a special interest in him and began teaching him principles of formline design and basic wood carving. Formlines are continuous, flowing, curvilinear lines that turn, swell and diminish in a prescribed manner. They are used for figure outlines, internal design elements and in abstract compositions. (Bill Holm, 1965.)

The artist further went on to teach himself the art of sketching, carving, and mastering the woodworking techniques which have enabled him to create many monumental pieces around Southeast Alaska. He gives credit to Bill Reid as one of the most influential artists behind many of his pieces.

His work is widely acknowledged and has been commissioned by major entities.

The term Haida Gwaii literally “Islands of the Haida people” and consists of two main islands, along with approximately 400 smaller islands, off the northern Pacific coast of Canada. The islands form the heartland of the Haida Nation, upon which people have lived for 13,000 years.

At the time of European contact in 1774, the population was roughly 30,000 people. It is estimated that ninety percent of the population died during the from smallpox and other diseases arriving with colonizers from Europe. By 1900, only 350 people remained.

Seals represent wealth and plenty. They have always been an important resource along the Northwest Coast and Alaskan people, providing food, fuel, and clothing. Seal is often depicted with Salmon, a favorite food, and both creatures represent abundance.

The Salmon is the life source and the provider of food for all animals and humans. When salmon are seen in pairs, it symbolizes good luck.