The On-Line Exibition of Richard Hunt

Richard Hunt Exhibition - "Sharing the Legacy"
Viewers are naturally drawn to Richard Hunt and his work. As former First Carver at Thunderbird Park at the Royal British Columbia Museum, Hunt's charisma and ability to share his culture with visitors was legendary. Accomplishments in both the art world and his Native and non-native cultures reflect his Native name: Gwel-la-yo-gwe-la-gya-les: a man that travels around the world giving.

The Hunt family has been associated with Kwagiutl artistic excellence for generations. Richard, a prominent member of the family, is among the most recognized of contemporary Northwest Coast artists. His family lineage and artistic style are rooted in the Kwak-waka'wakw village of Fort Rupert on the eastern shore of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Although true to his artistic legacy, Richard's work stands apart from his contemporaries in its humor and innovation. Works in wood, bronze and silver, capture his culture's love of drama. Articulated masks, whimsical sculptures and bold prints are hallmarks of Richard Hunt.

Richard and his family have emerged as international ambassadors for Northwest Coast culture. He has received numerous commissions for totem poles, including commissions for the cities of Liverpool, England; Edinburgh, Scotland; Brisbane, Australia; Anaheim, California; and Portland, Oregon; as well as locally in Duncan, Vancouver, and Victoria, British Columbia.

Richard's philosophy of: "Change; try to make the next piece better than the last one," continues to nourish his work and place him at the forefront Northwest Coast Native Art.