Ernest Swanson
Haida Nation
Ernest Swanson is a Haida artist from Old Massett, British Columbia, who currently lives in Vancouver. Ernest holds the traditional Haida name, Giinowaan, as a successor to the Yaghulaanas Raven Clan of Dadens. As a matrilineal descendant of iconic Haida artists including Charles Edenshaw, and grandson to the late Rufus Moody, Ernest continues his family’s legacy by creating traditional Haida art. In 2004, he began to work with artists such as Jim McGuire, Christian White and Chief 7idansuu “James Hart”. In 2005, he won the Emerging Artist award from British Columbia’s Alliance of Arts and Culture. Ernest assisted James Hart on the carving of the Celebration of Bill Reid pole, which was raised in 2009 at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art in Vancouver.
Ernest has continued to display his works on regional, national, and international scales, working in wood, silver, gold, and argillite. Ernest has a passion for working with youth, and has worked with diverse youth groups in HIV/AIDS awareness, mural paintings, drum-making workshops, Haida language and history, dance classes, traditional storytelling, and design workshops, with organizations including the Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society, Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Canada, the Old Massett Village Teen Centre, and the Haida Gwaii Youth Assembly. Most recently Ernest has been elected into the Council of the Haida Nation as a Vancouver regional representative.
“Our culture; our heritage is born of our respectful, intimate ties with the earth and the sea. Like a forest, the roots of our people are entwined, and adversity will not cut us down. We owe our existence to Haida Gwaii. It is here on these islands, where our ancestors lived and died, that we shall live until such time as they send us the sign to join them in the next world. The generation of those living today assumes the responsibility of passing down our heritage to the generations that follow.” – Ernest Swanson
Exhibitions:
2009 Haida Masterworks, a group exhibition at Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery, Vancouver, B.C.
Works by this Artist (Present + Past + Public)
Present Works
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“Nuu” Beginnings
Ernest Swanson
CA$300.00Serigraph, Edition of 150
2024
Unframed
(For inquiries on custom framing, please contact the gallery)
“The being within the Nuu symbolizes humanity revealing its inner light. When the creator first bestowed this divine spark upon us, it was hidden deep within, knowing we would seek fulfillment in countless external places rather than recognizing the treasure inside ourselves. This profound gift was placed within us to help us understand that true enlightenment comes from looking inward.
The octopus, embodying depth and adaptability, signifies the journey to achieving higher consciousness. Its presence in the Nuu highlights our potential to overcome challenges and evolve.
Additionally, the being features both male and female sex organs, representing all genders and affirming the unity and diversity inherent in humanity.”
-Ernest Swanson
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.