Artist Spotlight: Dean Hunt (Heiltsuk)

Both artistically and musically inclined, Heiltsuk artist Dean Hunt has explored a variety of media since we last featured him in our Winter 2008 Newsletter. At that time, he was partway through an apprenticeship with his brother, Shawn Hunt, and father, Bradley Hunt. Since then, we've seen some remarkable pieces including  a pair of hand-carved sterling silver Berry Picker earrings, a spectacular Mouse Woman cedar sculpture, and a vibrant, hand-painted Mouse Woman on canvas. Dean also explores the realm of music as a DJ and Music Producer, where he is known as dj deano.

Dean Hunt Acrylic Painting on Wood Panel, Sea Monster, 20" x 16", $750.00; Bumble Bee, 24" x 18". $900.00

Some of our favorite pieces by Dean are his playful acrylics on wood panels, which generally have given life to less common imagery in Northwest Coast art. His style is very geometric, bold and alive with color. The two images above represent a Sea Monster (left) and Bumble Bee (right). 

Dean Hunt, Sterling Silver Earrings, Berry Picker, 2 1/8" x 5/8", $400.00; Sterling Silver Bracelet, Robins, 1" x 6", $1,200.00

Dean's unique choice of imagery is also evident in his jewellery - from Mushrooms to Robins to Sparkling Raindrops. His pieces are crisp, thoughtful and beautifully executed. Come by the gallery to see a selection of Dean Hunt's pieces.

Dragonflies, Loons, and Herons in Sculpture and Paintings

From left: Steve Smith Dragonfly, Rod Smith Loons, Bradley Hunt Butterfly

Our Fall silver jewellery show, Barnacles to Butterflies, will be coming to an end on Saturday, October 13, 2012. If you haven't seen the pieces in person, come by the gallery for a visit before the weekend. If you can't get enough of unusual imagery in Northwest Coast art, we have many other creative sculptural pieces that may interest you. 

Kwakwaka'wakw artist Steve Smith has continuously provided us with playful small-scale sculptures, including this Dragonfly sculpture which rests on a bed of rocks. His brother, Rod Smith, also paints basswood sculptures like this elegant Loon and Coast Salish artist Doug Horne has an exquisite Seal and Heron cedar sculpture and Heron cedar spoon. We also have a beautifully carved and painted Loon, Heron and Hummingbird cedar panel with abalone inlay by Metis artist James Michels and a large-scale Butterfly painting by Heiltsuk artist Bradley Hunt. Come by the gallery to browse our collection and flip through our print bin - we have many other unusual pieces!

Fall 2012 Newsletter: Featuring Works by Isabel Rorick, David Boxley and Bradley Hunt

This Fall, read about a charming alder Frog bowl by Tsimshian artist David Boxley and two large-scale works by Heitlsuk artist Bradley Hunt. We also feature two extraordinary woven pieces by Haida artist Isabel Rorick and introduce our loyal customers to our new giftware website that will be launching this fall. Finally, from September 22nd - October 13th, we will be holding a group show, Barnacles to Butterflies, that will showcase an array of unusual subject matter in Northwest Coast silver jewellery. Keep reading our blog for more updates!

Teaser #2...Medium: Painting on Canvas

Photo courtesy of Bradley Hunt

Here is a glimpse of our featured painting of the week: Killerwhale by Heiltsuk artist Bradley Hunt.