David Neel Native Artist

David Neel comes from a long line of artists. Iconic Kwakwaka'wakw carver Charlie James was his great-great-great grandfather and his great uncle was prolific totem pole carver Mungo Martin. In addition, his grandmother was Ellen Neel, the first professional full-time female First Nations artist in British Columbia.

David Neel Bukwus Mask at Lattimer Gallery

Lattimer Gallery has been carrying David's work for many years, and we facilitate custom orders with him on a regular basis. From masks to wedding bands to paintings on canvas, David possesses a diverse skill set.

David Neel 14k Gold Wedding Band

David was born in 1960 and he apprenticed with Beau Dick and Wayne Alfred between 1987 and 1989. In both 1987 and 1988, Neel earned the Mungo Martin Memorial Award. In 1991, Canada Council Explorations provided him with a grant for his Contemporary Mask Series. The Smithsonian Institution awarded him a Community Scholar Grant in 1992. His photography resulted in two books about Native culture: Our Chiefs and Elders in 1992 and The Great Canoes in 1995. Like some of his prints and masks, these also dealt with contemporary First Nations history.

David Neel Jewellery

Lattimer Gallery is pleased to be carrying jewellery by popular Kwakwaka'wakw artist David Neel. David recently brought us a diverse selection of rings, pendants, earrings, and cuff bracelets. Ranging in price from $250.00 CAD to $900.00 CAD, these pieces demonstrate David's range of techniques and classic Kwakwaka'wakw design sense. Here are a few of the new pieces we have available:

14k White Gold Ring with Yellow Gold Rails - 5/16" Wide, Size 7 - $1,100.00 CAD - Eagle Design

14k Yellow Gold Earrings with Rubies - 3/4" x 3/8" - $550.00 CAD - Bear Design

Sterling Silver Link Bracelet with 14k Overlay - 3/8" x 8 1/4" - $800.00 CAD - Eagle Design

14k White Gold Pendant with Diamond - 1 3/4" x 7/8" - $900.00 CAD - Bear Design

David's crests are Thunderbird and Killerwhale. He comes from a family that is rich in history and artistic skill. His father is Dave Neel Sr, his great uncle is acclaimed artist Mungo Martin, his great-great-great grandfather is Charlie James, and his grandmother is artist Ellen Neel. His widely exhibited work includes: jewellery, masks, drums, poles, original paintings, limited edition prints, glass etching, regalia, and photos (appearing in several magazines). David's formal training in Fine Arts was at the University of Kansas and at Mount Royal College, Alberta. Following a career as a professional photographer in Texas, David returned to Canada in the early 1990s and conceived two important projects: one documenting works and images of First Nations elders, and the other promoting the revival of the Northwest Coast great dugout canoe. David's talents are diverse, and he is dedicated to promoting and preserving his Kwakwaka'wakw heritage.

Ellen Neel Show at Lattimer Gallery

Kwakwaka’wakw artist Ellen Neel, born in 1916, is well known in the Northwest Coast Native art market for a number of reasons. She was the granddaughter of Charlie James and the niece of Mungo Martin, both acclaimed artists and pole carvers. She was also the first woman to professionally carve totem poles in British Columbia, based out of her own workshop called Totem Arts Studio in Stanley Park. In addition to creating poles and masks for the tourist market, Ellen also completed many commercial commissions that both promoted Northwest Coast culture and elevated her status within the fine art market. One of these large projects took place in 1955 and involved Ellen creating five large poles for a Woodward’s Department Store in Edmonton. 

Ellen Neel Sun Mask - $3,500.00 CAD

Lattimer Gallery is proud to present a collection of rare works by the late Ellen Neel. Comprised of classic masks and exquisite model poles, this small show demonstrates Ellen’s range of skills and idiosyncratic style. A couple of the standout pieces include a large Sun mask from 1962 measuring 19 ½” x 23 ½” x 3 ½” and available for $2,400.00 CAD, and a miniature pole that is still in its original packaging, including the documentation that Ellen produced to accompany it.

Ellen Neel Mini Pole in Packaging - $200.00 CAD

This is an opportunity to own a piece of Vancouver history and to acquire a work by one of Canada’s most celebrated female artists. The show runs from April 5th – April 19th and Lattimer Gallery will be hosting an opening reception on April 5th between 2pm and 5pm. Please drop by to enjoy some refreshments and to view the works by this trailblazing First Nations artist.