Phil Gray (artist)
Tsimshian and Mikisew Cree woodcarver from Canada
Phil Gray (born March 15, 1983) is a Canadian artist who specializes in wood carvings (masks, poles, sculptures and drums) from the Tsimshian and Mikisew Cree communities. His work uses traditional technique and features imagery from legends. In 2014, Gray was awarded a British Columbia Creative Achievement Award in Aboriginal Art from the Government of British Columbia.
Early life and education
Gray was born in Vancouver in 1983.
In 1999, he began carving with Lower Nicola First Nations artist, Gerry Sheena. He also had the opportunity to study Advanced Design under acclaimed Haida artist, Robert Davidson (artist). He works primarily in cedar, alder and boxwood. He creates masks, panels, poles, sculptures and drums. He belongs to the Killerwhale (Gispwudwada) Clan and the majority of his works are created in his traditional Tsimshian style.
Artistic work
Gray's work includes carving totem poles, painting bentwood boxes, and making cedar masks.
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