Northwest Coast Artists

James Michels

James Michels was born on July 29th 1969 in Merritt, BC. He is a highly accomplished Cree/Metis artist whose creations are held in high esteem by other artists and knowledgeable collectors. James apprenticed with acclaimed Coast Salish artist Joseph Campbell as well as spent considerable time observing various master artists at the K'san Native Art School.

His bentwood boxes and stunning carved panels can be regularly viewed in most of the major galleries of Northwest Coast artwork in both Canada and the United States. James Michels has worked on a large commission of a series of bentwood boxes for the Canadian Government. He also commissioned a series of his bentwood boxes for the participants of the 2005 PGA Golf Skins game in Whistler, BC.

As well, his artwork has been purchased by former President Bill Clinton, Former Prime Minister Paul Martin and singing legend Joni Mitchell. James is also sought after for his exceptional large carved panels and totem poles.

Norval Morriseau

Born 1931 on Sandy Lake Reserve in northwestern Ontario, Norval Morrisseau almost died of illness as a small boy. His mother took him to a Medicine Woman who gave him the powerful Ojibway name Copper Thunderbird to give him strength. Many elders in the tribe were outraged that such a young man was given such a powerful name. He beat the fever and grew up to become a World Class painter. He now signs all his work using his native name Copper Thunderbird using Cree syllabics taught to him by his Cree wife.

Norval Morrisseau is an Ojibway Shaman who paints the images that come to him in dreams. He was introduced to Toronto art gallery owner Jack Pollock while while Pollock was traveling through Northern Ontario in 1962. Pollock took him to Toronto where Morrisseau's first one man show sold out on the first day. His work now hangs in major galleries around the world. He is a world class artist and is considered the founder of a unique style of native art.

Morrisseau was dubbed the "Picasso Of The North" of Native Art by the French Press in 1969 and is considered one of the most innovative artists of the Century. Unlike Picasso, Norval Morrisseau developed a unique style of art back in the bush with no connection to European style and influence. He is considered The Founder of The Woodlands School of Art which has also been called Legend Art or Medicine Art as the images are agents for healing or reflect many of the secret legends known only within the Ojibway and Cree Tribes. With his apprentice and friend, fellow artist Carl Ray (a Cree artist from Sandy Lake) they were the pioneers of this fresh style of art. Both were commissioned by the Canadian government to paint the large mural for The Natives of Canada Pavilion at Expo 67 in Montreal.

Norval Morrisseau was awarded The prestigious Order Of Canada Medal in 1978 by the Governor General of Canada for his contribution to Canadian Art. He was the only Canadian artist invited by France to contribute and show his work at their Bicentennial Celebration in 1989. While in Europe he toured the galleries to see the works of Master artists only to think their work was too dark and somber . He returned to paint in even more vibrant colours and abstract shapes.

He almost died in a hotel fire in 1972 in Vancouver but recovered from the burns and healed enough to paint again. He adopted Christianity around that time and a number of his paintings in the '70's reflected this belief in the Lord as the Savior. In time the Lord and Native Shaman shared the same place and power. Morrisseau believes in astral travel and has demonstrated a belief in Eckanar since.

Norval Morrisseau is considered the Grandfather of the Woodlands Style and the most popular of what has been dubbed "Canada's Native Group of Seven." He is now a world class artist.

Norval Morrisseau is a self professed Ojibway Shaman who paints the visions that come to him in dreams. While he is considered the Founder and Cornerstone of the Woodlands School of Art, also called Legend or Medicine Painting, other members of this "Native Group Of Seven" have their work on Redkettle site such as Carl Ray and Joshim Kakegamic. Their influence continues to affect the art being done by young native artists today considered to be "Woodlands- the next generation".

Justin Rivard

In 1985 Justin was 21 and planning a career as a mechanic, but the automotive program was full. His father, being actively involved in west coast native communities, introduced him to Ray Dumont, a local native artist, and Ray suggested he try carving.

Through the 90’s, Justin carved part time. The rest of his time was spent working in different BC art galleries, deepening his understanding of the art world, and interacting with local artists. Today, demand for Justin's work has grown to the point where he carves full time.

Justin's style has a combination of influences. He was born and have lived his whole life on the west coast of British Columbia, and his native ancestry is Cree. He fluctuates between west coast and plains styles. Each offers its own unique quality, stories and history. "When I create a new piece, I always picture the wearer in mind. My job is to produce jewellery that makes the wearer feel good. Many of my favorite pieces came from custom requests, because I had a specific wearer in mind, and was able to shape the piece to that person’s personality and taste.

I never would have guessed that I would enjoy carving so much. There is something incredibly satisfying about a craft that combines the delicacies of design with the power of carving with the technique of assembly.

I enjoy experimenting with materials. I work in gold and silver, and combinations of the two. I work with precious and semi-precious stones, in a variety of settings. I love finding the perfect way to combine stylish, modern jewellery designs with traditional native art."

Richard Hunt

Richard Hunt was born in 1951 at Alert Bay, British Columbia, into a family of internationally respected artists, including his father Henry and his grandfather Mungo Martin. Richard Hunt began carving with his father at the age of 13.

In December 1986, Mr. Hunt resigned this position and began a new career as a freelance artist. Richard Hunt has played a leading role in the renaissance of Northwest Indian art. It is a rebirth that has spread throughout North America and influenced indigenous art around the world. A master carver, experienced ritualist and dancer, Richard Hunt has created a diverse body of art that contributes much to the preservation and perpetuation of Kwa-gulth culture and traditions.

In 1973, he began work at the British Columbia Provincial Museum in Victoria as an apprentice carver under his father. The following year he assumed the duties of chief carver in the Thunderbird Park carving program. He remained at the museum in that capacity for 12 years.

His totems, prints, drums, masks and bowls are the pride of museums and private collections around the world. He has also communicated his art and culture, in talks to students, from preschool to university level, and museum visitors who watched over the years as he worked. Outside Canada, Richard Hunt has been an effective ambassador for native people, for British Columbia and Canada. Richard Hunt's Indian name - 'Gwe-la-yo-gwe-la-gya-les' - means 'a man that travels around the world giving'. Through his art, Richard Hunt has indeed given much. He is a man possessed of enormous reserves of energy and has dedicated his creative talents towards furthering the cultural ambitions of the Kwa-gulth people.