Francis Horne Sr.

Northwest Coast Native Artist Francis Horne Sr. from Coast Salish Nation

Coast Salish Nation

Francis Horne was born October 18, 1952, in Mount Vernon, WA, and raised in Duncan, British Columbia, Canada. He began carving in 1973 and is largely self-taught. He does reveal that Simon Charlie, a prominent Chief and accomplished artist, greatly influenced his pursuit of creating large-scale art. Subsequently, Francis began to explore and educate himself on the style of the northern nations. This interest led him to pursue large-scale public art reflecting the traditional northern images in their traditional format. Occasionally, Francis focuses on depicting images in keeping with his Coast Salish heritage.

Francis has produced numerous major totem poles for public, corporate, and private international commissions. His work is featured in several locations across British Columbia, including the Vancouver Art Gallery, Stanley Park, Chilliwack General Hospital, and Vancouver Native Housing. The city of Duncan, known as the “City of Totem Poles,” has ten of his poles, including a gateway entrance. International commissions include the Canadian Embassy in Bogota, Columbia, Singapore, Africa, England, Germany, Sweden, and the USA. His smaller scale works and masks are limited in number, as his reputation for large-scale works keeps him occupied.

Whether a mask or a totem pole, his elaborate detail and precise incisions reflect both his expertise and his dedication to maintaining a high standard of quality and collectibility of his artwork. He possesses a unique and thought-provoking style, which is represented in masks of distinction, traditional totem poles, and metalwork. He prefers to work in red or yellow cedar, and occasionally works with alder wood.

In 2007, Francis made the decision to share his passion by becoming an instructor at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), where he teaches Indigenous Carving certificate courses to young carvers. Twelve years later, on June 5th, 2019, the University of Fraser Valley awarded him with an honorary Doctorate of Letters (Litt. D.) for his contributions to the study and understanding of indigenous art on the Pacific Northwest Coast. This is the highest reward that one can receive in a number of fields, including the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

In addition to his work at UFV, Francis has spent time mentoring clients in recovery from corrections at Vision Quest Recovery Society, as well as advising and advocating for First Nations patients at Fraser Health Authority.

Works by this Artist (Present + Past + Public)

Present Works

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  • Raven Song Rattle

    Francis Horne Sr.

    CA$12,000.00

    Yellow Cedar wood, Wax finish, Acrylic paint

    “Many years ago, my grandfather shared with me the story of Raven and Wild Woman.

    Raven rests high up on the branches of a cedar tree, sunlight reflecting off coal black wings. He turns a bright eye toward the sounds of laughter, head twisting first in one direction then the other, searching the forest floor. Raven calls out, a high-pitched whistle.

    As his search continues, he spots the little ones running across the forest floor in search of the sweet tasting berries ripening in the hot sun. Alerted by the sharp whistling sound the children stop in their tracks. Raven calls out again only this time with words. Raven says, “walk over to me, this is where you will find the sweetest berries.”

    The Wild Woman, hidden in the shadows, watches as the little ones easily follow Raven’s direction. Hungry for a taste of the little ones, she waits and watches as Raven easily gains their trust. Mimicking the Raven’s whistle Wild Woman is pleased to see the children head in her direction. Before the children realize they have been tricked, she has scooped them up in her basket [and carries them away].

    Children are told this story as a warning.”  – As told by Francis Horne Sr.

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.