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.

Phil Janze: 2012 BC Creative Achievement Awards for First Nations' Art

Philip Janzé, 20k Yellow Gold Pin with Ammolite, Frontlet Design, 1 5/8" x 2" x 1/2"

We would like to acknowledge and congratulate Gitksan artist Philip Janzé as a recipient of the 2012 BC Creative Achievement Awards for First Nations' Art. Philip's diverse body of work and talent using the repoussé technique have distinguished him as a highly regarded figure within Northwest Coast art. His accomplishments include recognition by the Canadian Jeweller's Challenge in 1982-84 for creating one of six finest pieces in Canada. He is the only Aboriginal artist to have accomplished this, to date. Philip also won top prize in jewellery making from the Aboriginal Northern Affairs Canada Purchase Show in 1984.

We would also like to congratulate artists Wayne Alfred (Kwakwaka'wakw), Skeena Reece (Tsimshian/Gitksan/Cree), Morgan Green (Tsimshian) and David Lloyd Wilson (Okanagan) as fellow recipients and Norman Tait (Nisga'a) as the receipt of the Lifetime Achievement Award for First Nations' Art. For more information on the 2012 recipients - please view the artist's profiles here.


The presentation of the awards will be held on November 19th in Vancouver.