Charles Peter Heit
Gitxsan Nation
1957 – 2021
Charles Peter Heit is Gitxsan from the Skeena River country in northern British Columbia, Canada. He was born in 1957 into the house of Geel, the leading Fireweed clan house in Kispiox. Chuck’s Gitxsan name is Ts’iixsts’ap, however, the name he likes to use the most to sign his carvings is Ya’Ya.
Chuck began to carve in a place called K’san in nearby Hazelton. Chuck was lucky to have a lot of good artists working together at K’san when he was there. He learned a great deal from artists like, Ken Mowatt, Vernon Stephens, Art Sterritt and Earl Muldoe. However, Chuck acknowledges his uncle Chief Walter Harris as his main teacher and mentor. When Chuck became a bit older he enrolled in K’san’s ‘Kitanmax School of Northwest Coast Indian Art as the school’s youngest pupil and continued an apprenticeship with his uncle at the same time. Once he graduated from art school he was immediately hired as an instructor, the youngest instructor the school has ever had.
Chuck helped master artists out on their major commissions, Earl Muldoe, Ken Mowatt, Robert Davidson and of course Walter Harris. Upon Chuck receiving his own commissions, Walter Harris happily returned the help he had received from his nephew. Chuck has assisted with, as well as designed a significant number of totem poles for all types of private, corporate and public collections. However, the project Chuck is most proud of is the piece closest to his heart, a large wall panel for the new school in his hometown of Kispiox, BC.
Works by this Artist (Present + Past + Public)
Present Works
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Wiigyet & Three Bears Sculpture
Charles Peter Heit
Price upon requestAfrican Wonder stonec. 2004
Chuck Heit’s “Wiigyet and the Three Bears” draws inspiration from a playful and poignant tale of the trickster Wiigyet and captures the story of his misadventure in pursuit of a perfect Black Bear blanket.
This remarkable sculpture, consisting of 27 individual components, brings to life the mischievous story of Wiigyet, whose longing for a new blanket leads him to three plump black bears lounging in a Cottonwood tree.
Mesmerized by the shiny, dark coats of the Bears, Wiigyet’s impromptu dance and song entice the creatures to descend. But despite the brief joy of their company, the Bears swiftly evade his grasp, leaving Wiigyet saddened and empty-handed once more.
Chuck Heit emphasizes the dynamic interaction between the physical and spiritual realms in this exceptionally executed piece. Skillfully, he depicts a Chief as the Shaman who maintains harmony between people and nature, navigates cosmic worlds, and reveals the deeply revered connection between humans, animals, and the natural world.
The carved figures on the lid reflect this spirit, with Wiigyet in a suspended pose, his feet never quite touching the ground, lifted by the playful Bears who embody the beauty of their fur as blankets adorned with tassels and designs. One of the Bears sniffs at Wiigyet’s old tattered blanket, symbolizing his failed pursuit and the lesson to respect nature’s spirits.
Crafted from “Black African Wonder Stone,” a substitute for Argillite, the piece illustrates Chuck Heit’s meticulous process and artistic prowess. Each aspect, from the fourteen silver dowels strengthening the joints to the carefully chosen designs, speaks to Heit’s dedication and mastery of carving. He shaped, reshaped, and refined the piece through numerous adjustments and trials to execute his vision to perfection.
The final work balances whimsical storytelling with traditional craftsmanship. Chuck Heit’s deep engagement with Northwest Coast culture is evident in both the narrative and the construction of Wiigyet and the Three Bears, presenting an artwork that is as meaningful as it is visually compelling. Heit’s adept blending of form and function, alongside his inventive approach, ensures the spirit of Wiigyet lives on, dancing with the Bears beneath the sheltering Cottonwood tree.
Past Works
The artist’s Past Works at our Gallery have now sold; however, a custom order may be possible if the artist is available and accepting commissions.
