Wayne Alfred

Country/Region: Northwest Coast (view other artists)

Tribe: Kwakwaka'wakw

Wayne Alfred was born in 1958 in Alert Bay where he grew up. Wayne Alfred knew from an early age that first and foremost he wanted to be dancer. He was and still is active in this but has also become an accomplished carver, having been around carvers all his life.

Wayne Alfred learned much of his art from such notable artists as Beau Dick, Doug Cranmer and Henry Green, who used to come to his village for potlatches.

Wayne's prefers to make large, working masks with many parts and also feast bowls.

Wayne lived in Vancouver for several years, researching native art in the city, but later returned to Alert Bay, where his father, Pat Alfred is a chief. He now teaches dancing, singing, and art to young apprentices and passes on his tradition.

PUBLIC COLLECTIONS

Royal British Columbia Museum, Victoria, BC

U' Mista Centre, Alert Bay, BC

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

1987 Beyond the Revival, Emily Carr College of Art & Design, Vancouver, BC

1989 Hands of Creation, Inuit Gallery, Vancouver, BC

1992 Wayne Alfred, Sculpture and Paintings, Gallery of Tribal Art, Vancouver, BC

1993 Talking Sticks, Symbols of Power and Authority, Gallery of Tribal Art, Vancouver, BC

1994 Life of the Copper: A Commonwealth of Tribal Nations, Alcheringa Gallery, Victoria, BC

1994 Tribal Miniatures: Gems of the Northwest Coast, annual exhibition, Alcheringa Gallery, Victoria, BC

VIEW SHORT BIOGRAPHY