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PHIL GRAY
Phil Gray is an artist from the Ts'msyen and Cree First Nations of Lax Kw’Alaams, BC and Fort Chipewyan, Alberta. Born and raised in Vancouver, throughout his formative years he was able to interact with and learn from many accomplished artists including Gerry Sheena who taught him carving skills and David A. Boxley’s teaching of Ts'msyen art and design.
Phil's work focuses on the traditional Ts'msyen style of carving and formline design, a hereditary right passed down through his mother. His goal has always been to help raise the profile of Ts’msyen art while creating art for traditional use to help maintain connections with his people and heritage.
Phil also likes displaying his artwork via non-traditional items and locations as a creative way to share Ts’msyen art with a broader audience. He enjoys public art projects as they provide the greatest opportunity for the public to view Ts'msyen art as a way to remind people that the Ts'msyen Nation is here to stay.
In 2014, Phil was awarded the BC Creative Achievement Award for First Nations art, and in 2012, Phil received the Hnatshyn Foundation's Charles Pachter Prize for Emerging Artists.
Bentwood Box
Phil Gray's Artwork at Telus Gardens Vancouver
Copper and Steel Panel
Raven Brings the Light - “The story begins with the Raven ascending to the Sky Chief’s house to retrieve the sun, moon and stars. This staircase symbolizes the Raven’s journey from the Earthly World to the Sky World where all of the creatures coexist, guiding you up into that world as a connection between the Earth and the Sky - the physical and the spiritual.”
Other Creative Works
"This mask is called 'In my blood' and it speaks to the idea of genetic memory. The small faces represent my ancestors that I share blood with."
Thunderbird in the Clouds Panel
Killerwhale Panel
Barn Swallow Headdress