Moy Sutherland

Country/Region: Northwest Coast (view other artists)

Tribe: Nuu Chah Nulth

Morris (Moy) Sutherland (b. 1974) is from the Ahousaht nation, within the Nuu Chah Nulth territories on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. As a boy he was very close to his culture and was always interested in native art. In 1995, with encouragement from family and friends, Moy began his carving career. He first learned the principles of carving from Joe Wilson in Alert Bay. Upon mastering some basic techniques, he moved home to learn more about the Nuu Chah Nulth style from Mark Mickey and Ron Hamilton in Port Alberni. Moy is now working with longtime friend and artist Carey Newman. Moy has the benefit of having learned from both Kwakwaka'wakw and Nuu Chah Nulth artists. He has used these experiences to broaden his understanding of all native art forms. Although he is very careful to stay within the traditional rules and values of his culture, he strives to find way to set himself apart from other artists. He is exploring different media, such as metals, gemstones and silk-screened prints. For Moy, art is very deeply rooted in his culture. He finds it both spiritually rewarding and educational. Moy comes from a very traditionally rooted family where the Nuu Chah Nulth culture is a large part of everyday life. Aside from his artwork, he is pursuing a degree in anthropology. Moy's work can be found in galleries and private collections across Canada and the US.

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