Artist Spotlight: Kelvin Thompson

Kelvin Thompson, From Left: Hummingbird, Ravens and Sun, Owl

Ojibwa/Saulteaux artist Kelvin Thompson has been engraving jewellery for over thirty-five years, since 1978. He is originally from Manitoba, Canada, along with his brother Allen Thompson, and now resides in Vancouver, BC. Kelvin first studied engraving techniques under Haisla artist Barry Wilson, in 1979, and also worked with Barry's brother, Derek Wilson, at the Aboriginal Friendship Centre in Vancouver. During the 1980s, Kelvin assisted Henry Robertson in carving panels and poles that are now displayed outside outside of the Aboriginal Friendship Centre. He was adopted into the Haisla family by Barry and Derek Wilson and Henry Robertson.

Kelvin's distinctive style is very detailed and ornate. His creativity is evident in the unconventional, playful designs he has completed in his work including Sea Lion, Mosquito, Dragonfly, Crab, and Bumblebee. Kelvin has consistently experiemented with different techniques such as oxidization, overlay and cut-outs. His most recent piece in the gallery is a spectacular Ravens and Sun bracelet in which the design has been cut out in sterling silver and overlayed onto a separate piece of silver. The entire bracelet was then oxidized and polished, exposing the darker areas. The piece measures 1 7/8" x 6" and is available for $2,800.00 CAD.