Derek J. White
Haida Nation
Derek White was born in 1965 and raised on Haida Gwaii. His father, Morris White, was a Chief of the Edinsu (Edenshaw) Eagle Clan of Kiusta until he passed away in 1997. Derek’s grandfather, Geoffrey White, was the grandson of the great carver, Charles Edenshaw. At a young age, his father gave up his career as a fisherman to become a full-time artist. He began carving silver, argillite, gold and wood.
Even with all the artistic influence in his house, Derek did not start carving until he finished high school. He carved small pieces, as well as helped his father and brothers carve a red cedar canoe and a carving shed. He was an apprentice under master carver Jim Hart in 1990 until 2000. He worked on several poles with him, including one in San Francisco and the Edenshaw Memorial Pole, which was raised in front of his Longhouse in August of 1999. Derek also worked extensively in his Longhouse, the Frog Constellation, on a large red cedar piece and some smaller projects. In 1995, he worked with his brothers Todd and Christian White and his brothers-in-law on the Cheif Edenshaw House Frontal Pole, which was carved and raised in 1995. This project was led by master carver Chris White.
In the year 2000, Derek worked in Skidegate for Tim Boyko and the Qay-llnaggay Heritage Centre Society on a pole that was raised in the Spring/Summer of 2001.
Derek is currently focusing on his art creating pieces in multiple media.
Exhibitions:
2004 Box of Treasures, a group exhibition at Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery, Vancouver, BC. November.
2005 Where the Spirit Gathers, a group exhibition at Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery, Vancouver, BC. November.
2006 Transcendence – a decade in perspective, Group exhibition at Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery. Vancouver, BC.
2007 Coastal Legacy, a group exhibition at Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery, Vancouver, B.C., November
2009 Haida Masterworks, Group exhibition at Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery. Vancouver, BC.
2013 Haida Masterworks II, Group exhibition at Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery. Vancouver, BC.
2017 Haida Masterworks III, Group exhibition at Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery. Vancouver, BC.
Works by this Artist (Present + Past + Public)
Present Works
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Raven & First Man Clamshell Locket
Derek J. White
CA$2,600.00Sterling silver, Catlinite, Abalone shell, Crystal
Engraved, Repoussé -
Raven-Finned Killerwhale Bracelet
Derek J. White
CA$3,600.00Sterling silver, Engraved, Repousse, Chased
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Beaver & Eagle Fish Bowl
Derek J. White
CA$8,000.00Sterling Silver; Repousse, Engraved
Derek White’s extraordinary Beaver & Eagle Fish Bowl, created in the traditional Haida form and utilizing the ancient technique of repousse to add dimension, demonstrates his articulate master carving and artistry skills. Containers such as bowls were traditionally created out of Cedar or Alder wood and utilized in daily life. The chosen medium of silver serves as a contemporary progression of this ancient art form while illustrating the intricate foundational links which combine cultural heritage with the arts.
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.
