Ron Russ

Northwest Coast Native Artist Ron Russ from Haida Nation

Haida Nation

Ron Russ was born in Masset, BC, in 1953, where his father is the hereditary chief. His mother is a descendant of the Nisga’a people. For as long as he can remember, he has been interested in Haida art, at first drawing pictures to illustrate the stories told to him by his grandparents. Ron’s grandfather taught him how to sharpen his tools when he was a young boy and from there he went on to help him carve boats and so on.

He studied all the books he could get his hands on and studied with other young men from the village. They would get together and talk about Haida art and culture, they would draw, talk and draw some more, and so it went. At the time, they thought they were all self-taught, but Ron sees now that they took turns teaching each other.

Ron carves mostly in Argillite, the magic rock, but likes wood and metal as well. However, slate is his favourite medium. Ron’s work has been exhibited at the Museum of Civilization in Hull, the UBC Museum of Anthropology and the Prince Rupert Museum.

Works by this Artist (Present + Past + Public)

Present Works

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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.

  • Argillite, Abalone shell, Mother of Pearl, and Wood Dogfish Amulet by Northwest Coast Native Artist Ron Russ