Our mission is to uplift First Nations artists through the proliferation of indigenous art. We are so privileged to be able to help bring the work of indigenous artists into homes across the world.
Below is a list of our current artist line-up.
Meet the TwoChief's Artists
Affiliation: Haisla, Heiltsuk
Paul Windsor was born and raised in Kitimat, British Columbia, and currently resides in Vancouver. He began drawing as a young child, and is an ancestral designer who comes from a family of artists. Paul also has a large interest in music and a love for the planet. His paintings, typically on the mediums of paper and wood, frequently feature positive imagery depicting the natural world. Paul’s artistic motivation stems from a drive to bring people together from different generations from his culture.
“I was raised in a way of life based on hunting, fishing, feasting, singing, dancing and visual arts. Art has always been communicated as an expression of spirit to the connections to people and the ways of life.”
Affiliation: Kwakwaka'wakw
Francis Dick was born in in 1959 in ‘Ya̱lis' (Alert Bay). She is from the Musǥa̱'makw Dzawada̱'enux̱w or, Four Tribes of Kingcome Inlet, and descends from the Kawadelakala (Supernatural Wolf). In 1994, Francis was initiated Hamatsa. Her work depicts her Kwakwaka’wakw heritage by blending social awareness and cultural values in a contemporary NorthWest coast style.
“Creating art honours my journey through my fires so that I might stand in truth; my work is not a career, it is a way of life.”
Affiliation: Haida
Allan Weir was born to the Raven can of Old Masset. Alan’s designs are deeply rooted in Haida traditions, yet his take on designing and creating in formline is innovative, fresh and bold.
"I am honoured to share my culture and appreciate when people show their respect bu using products that feature my designs."Affiliation: Coast Salish
Nikki LaRock is an artist, entrepreneur, youth mentor, motivational speaker, mother of 3 and grandmother of 3. She is from Yakweakwioose in Chilliwack, BC and Sts’ailes First Nation.
“I am delighted to share my art which will hopefully touch people in a positive way and add to their day.”Affiliation: Coast Salish, Musqueam
Leila Stogan is a master Salish weaver from the Musqueam Nation. In 1984, Leila studied traditional Musqueam weaving as part of the revitalization of an almost lost art. Her weavings are showcased in the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, and in the book, Hands of our Ancestors, The Revival of Salish Weaving at Musqueam.
“Our stories and traditions are woven into our textiles. These woven designs reflect our ancestral traditions and our connection to nature.”
Affiliation: Coast Salish
Simone Diamond, or Simone Williams-Horne, was born in Duncan, British Columbia on April 30, 1993. Now residing in the Lower Mainland, Simone is a Coast Salish artist. Her art consists mostly of graphic design, although she does have experience in painting and wood carving. She is the daughter of well-known master carver Francis Horne Sr. who has taught her most of what she knows. The rest she has taught herself, which has helped to develop her unique and very detailed style. She is now working more towards establishing her career as an artist by being consistent with her work.
"I create art that connects me to my family, our traditions and our spirit of continuity."Affiliation: Haida
Corey Bulpitt (b.1978), also known as Taakeit Aaya or “Gifted Carver” by the Haida of the Naikun Raven clan, was born in Prince Rupert BC. Bulpitt is an avid painter, jeweller, and wood and argillite carver who has enjoyed exploring many different mediums such as spray paint, which he used to create large-scale paintings involving urban youth in Vancouver. As a member of the newly emerged Beat Nation Live arts collective, Corey’s contemporary graffiti art pieces can be seen in many museums, festivals, and urban landscapes.
"I am honoured to create art that respects the traditions of my ancestors from the Naikun Raven clan on Haida Gwaii."Affiliation: Tsimshian
Morgan Asoyuf (née Green) was born March 24, 1984 in Prince Rupert BC. Morgan is Ts’msyen Eagle Clan from Lax Kwallams. Morgan has apprenticed with artists such as Richard Adkins (Haida), Henry Green (Tsm’syen), and studied under German goldsmith Gerold Mueller at the Vancouver Metal Art School. She has received diplomas in both jewelry design and stone cutting. Morgan excels in many mediums, and works in jewelry design, carving, illustration, and fashion.
“Art is an intimate connection to our history, identity and our community. I am honoured to continue our traditions and to share them.”
Julie Flett
Affiliation: Cree–Métis
Julie Flett is a Cree–Métis author, illustrator, and artist who has received numerous awards for her books, including two Governor General’s Awards, the American Indian Library Association Award, and the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award. Her books have been selected for Best of the Year lists by media outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Publisher's Weekly, The Horn Book, The Boston Globe, School Library Journal, The Globe and Mail, and Kirkus Reviews.
"We are all connected, living in relationship and in care to one another, in kinship."
Alison Bremner
Affiliation: Tlingit
Alison O. Bremner is a Tlingit artist born and raised in Southeast Alaska. Bremner is believed to be the first Tlingit woman to carve and raise a totem pole. She has studied under master artists David R. Boxley and David A. Boxley in Kingston, Washington. Painting, woodcarving, regalia and digital collage are a few of the mediums she employs. In addition to her contemporary art practice, Bremner is committed to the revitalization of the Tlingit language and creating works for traditional and ceremonial use.
Her work is included in the permanent collections of, among others, the Burke Museum, Seattle; Portland Art Museum, Oregon; Château Musée Boulogne-sur-Mer, France; Frye Art Museum, Seattle; and the British Museum in London.
“Culture is not stagnant. Through contact and the technological revolution Tlingit culture is constantly adapting, observing, and searching for its place in the world.”
T.J. Sgwaayaans
Affiliation: Eagle Clan of the Kaigani Haida
TJ Young was born into the Yaadaas Eagle Clan of the Kaigani Haida in 1981 and was given the Haida name Sgwaayaans. He was raised in Hydaburg, Alaska. TJ cites his grandfather, Claude Morrison, as a major influence in his life. Claude introduced him to Haida art and practices when he was a teenager, instructing him on how to hand-carve halibut hooks. TJ creates many carvings and items for ceremonies and cultural purposes and considers it an honor to carry on the traditions of his ancestors.
TJ continues to develop his skills. In 2010, he graduated from the Native Education College Jewelry Program and learned the basics of engraving from Dan Wallace and James McGuire. He has most recently had the privilege of working under world renowned Haida Artist, Robert Davidson.
"Love birds represent the spirit within our community and our connection to the land."
Chazz Mack
Affiliation: Nuxalk Heiltsuk
Chazz Mack is an artist of both Nuxalk and Heiltsuk heritage. He has been practicing art for over a decade and describes himself as being “surrounded” by art and artists his entire life.
He is a prolific painter, whose style is engaging and fluid. He paints “whatever comes into his mind”, with his work often reflecting the natural world around him. In addition to painting, Mack carves with alder and cedar, and creates unique jewelry.
His work “blends traditional and contemporary elements” and has a sense of youthfulness and luminosity.
Joe Wilson-Sxwaset
Affiliation: Coast Salish
Born in 1967 and raised at Koksilah near Duncan on Vancouver Island, Canada. Joe’s keen interest in Native Art began at the tender age of 12 whilst watching his stepfather, Johnny Sampson, designing and carving beautiful works. At 17, Joe began producing and marketing his carvings within the local region. He has apprenticed under master carvers such as the late Simon Charlie and Coast Salish artist Charles Elliott. He has studied under Nuu-Chah-nulth master carver Tim Paul at the Royal British Columbia Museum.
Joe Wilson will continue to push the boundaries of Coast Salish Art while creating works that distinguish and preserve his culture for current and future generations. His talent will continue to bring him the recognition that is reserved for outstanding artists.
“I had it in my heart to be one of the best out there in our field [Coast Salish Territory] and I did it.”
Darrell Thorne
Affiliation: Coast Salish
Darrell Thorne is a Coast Salish artist from Duncan, BC.
“My art and culture express the inter-connection of all that surrounds us."
Ben Houstie
Affiliation: Bella Bella
Heiltsuk artist Ben Houstie was born in Bella Bella, BC (Waglisla) in 1960. Ben’s works include: original paintings, limited edition prints, carved cedar rattles and paddles. He has worked with Cheryl Hall, Robert Hall, David Gladstone and Beau Dick. In 1988, Ben worked under Bill Reid painting several drums of Bill’s designs and 20 paddles for the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Ottawa. Ben also painted several reconstructed artworks in 2000 for the Museum of Anthropology’s ‘The Transforming Image’ exhibition, at the University of British Columbia.
“Art is my language and an expression of who I am and where I come from. Sharing my culture helps to honour and preserve it.”
Affiliation: Kew Pueblo
Robert Tenorio (b. 1950) of Santo Domingo (Kewa Pueblo) is one of the foremost Pueblo potters working today and has played an extremely important role in reviving and bringing attention to the legacy of Santo Domingo pottery.
He is known for his polychrome pots created in the traditional Santo Domingo style, which typically features a red base and red interior and black designs painted on a buff background. Tenorio is particularly known for his large vessels with striking geometric and nature designs inspired by centuries-old Santo Domingo pottery.
“Culture is not stagnant. Through contact and the technological revolution Tlingit culture is constantly adapting, observing, and searching for its place in the world.”
Maynard Johnny Jr.
Affiliation: Coast Salish and
Kwakwaka'wakw
Maynard Johnny Jr. was born in 1973 in Campbell River, British Columbia to a father of the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation and a mother of Coast Salish heritage. He has inherited a blend of cultures, traditions and art styles.
A self-taught artist, Maynard has been honing his skills since his teens. He draws inspiration from many Northwest Coast artists and particularly admires the late Art Thompson, Richard Hunt, Robert Davidson, and Mark Henderson.
Maynard’s principal endeavor is graphic design and his logo designs have garnered several awards. He also enjoys painting on canvas, hide and wood. His work is part of private and public collections, including those of the Legacy Galleries at the University of Victoria, the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia, and the National Gallery of Canada.
“My passion is to share Coast Salish art with my family, community and beyond. I am very touched when passing down this cultural legacy to my grandchildren."
Trevor Angus
Affiliation: Gitxsan
Trevor Angus (Tka'ast) completed three years of training at the Gitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Art at 'Ksan in Hazelton, BC. He studied under Gitksan master carvers Ken Mowatt and Vernon Stephens, and spent six weeks training in jewellery under Art Wilson. He has also worked with Haida artist Shawn Edenshaw and Nisga'a artist Robert Tait. In 2013 and 2014, Trevor completed the Northwest Coast Jewellery Arts program at Vancouver's Native Education College, learning repoussé and stone-setting techniques. He apprenticed with renowned Gitksan jeweller Phil Janzé, engraving silver and gold jewellery. In 2021, Trevor was commissioned to design sports jerseys for the University of Northern BC. The UNBC Timberwolves were Canada's first university athletic program to don a logo designed by an Indigenous artist.
“It is amazing having my designs on a range of Native Northwest products. It is a good way to share my art and get my name out there. My art can now be easily afforded and allows people to enjoy an item with one of my designs on it."
Ryan Cranmer
Affiliation: Namgis
Ryan Cranmer was born 1980 in Vancouver, British Columbia. He is the nephew of well-known master carver Doug Cranmer. His mother is of the Namgis band of the Kwakwaka’wakw nation from Alert Bay, British Columbia, and his father is from the Heiltsuk nation of Bella Bella, British Columbia.
Ryan grew up surrounded by art and artists. Master Carvers Wayne Alfred, Beau Dick and Barry Scow have had a great impact on his life and work as mentors and friends. He learned to carve under the tutelage of experienced carver Barry Scow. Cranmer carves brightly painted masks and makes limited edition prints. He also has expanded his design skills to work with Native Northwest in making commercial items including clothing, ceramics, and Jewellery.
“Our art is a gift handed down through our ancestors. Art is an essential part of our culture; it tells our stories and reminds us who we are."
Chris Kewistep
Affiliation: Bella Bella
Chris Kewistep is a Bella Bella artist.
Dwayne Simeon
Affiliation: Kwakwaka'wakw
Dwayne Simeon is a Kwakwaka'wakw Master Carver of authentic, traditional, museum-quality North West Coast native art. Dwayne was born in Campbell River, BC in 1960.
His heritage is Ligwilda’xw (Cape Mudge) Haida and Squamish. He began his artistic career in 1974 with painting. He then went on to Victoria, BC. Where he trained under masters Tony Hunt, John Livingston, and Calvin Hunt, learning the art of carving. In 1981 he took training in jewelry making at the Vancouver Vocational Institute.
Dwayne's art has been his "soul" job since his teen years. Dwayne's effort to increase cultural awareness through his art continues.
“Connection to the spirit of the eagle offers insight into the wisdom within our culture."