Shawn Hunt

Shawn Hunt is a Heiltsuk artist from Waglisla (Bella Bella) BC. He is the son of artist J. Bradley Hunt and the older brother of artist Dean Hunt. He began making art at a very young age, entering his first exhibit at age four.

Shawn now has a diploma in studio art from Capilano College, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the University of British Columbia, where he majored in sculpture and drawing. He began carving in 1994 as an apprentice with his father, assisting with the carving of several totem poles, masks, and sculptures. Finding that they both share the same passion for their work, father and son still collaborate on some of their pieces. In the summer of 2000, he began carving jewelry. In his jewelry, as with his work in wood, Shawn is already known for his clean line and fluid design sense. He is always seeking to push the boundaries of the art form—often combining non-traditional ideas with innovative use of materials and motifs in his work.

“The art of my people needs to grow and evolve. The future of the art form is very exciting. I believe that we have just scratched the surface of what we can do and what will be done.”