T.J. (Sgwaayaans) Young

I feel it is a privilege to be a part of the Haida Nation and consider it an honour to carry on the tradition of my ancestors. My name is Sgwaayaans and I am from the Yaadaas Eagle Clan of the Kaigani Haida, in Hydaburg, Alaska. When I was a teenager my grandfather Claude Morrison first showed me the proper way to carve a functional halibut hook. Since then he's been a major influence in my progression as a Haida artist. I have also been lucky to have had an older brother Joe Young to teach me the basics of Haida art. My brother and I work on all major projects together and whch serves us well as we bounce ideas and techniques around constantly. I am also very grateful to have learned from artists Dan Wallace and Jim McGuire.

Translating our stories, legends, beliefs through art is both challenging and gratifying. The main medium I work in is wood, mostly red / yellow cedar, and alder. My love for song and dance inspires me to create pieces that are strictly for ceremonial use. I love to dance my own masks, but what I enjoy most is watching other people dance my pieces. The way they interpret my masks through their own style of dancing is exciting to watch. As a student of Haida art, I feel we must first master the traditional techniques prior to developing a more contemporary style in order for us to progress as a nation in the 21st century.

Selected Exhibitions

2011 Chasing Form: New Directions in Repoussé, Alcheringa Gallery, Victoria, BC