Stan Bevan

Tahltan / Tlingit Nations
Stan Bevan was born in 1961 in Terrace, British Columbia and raised in the near by village of Kitselas on the Skeena River in Northern British Columbia. His father is Tsimshian from the village of Kitselas. He is Tahltan-Tlingit through his mother’s side and her village of Telegraph creek, British Columbia.
Stan Bevan was initially inspired to pursue an artistic career by his uncle, Dempsey Bob, who is one the foremost master artists of this generation. Stan began carving under his guidance and was encouraged to apply to the Kitanmaxx School of Northwest Coast Art and Design in Hazelton for the term beginning in 1979. Dempsey believed in receiving a broad overview of Northwest Coast art and the discipline that the school could offer. Upon graduation, Stan joined his cousin, Ken McNeil, to begin a formal apprenticeship under Dempsey’s instruction. Their first project was the carving of a 31-foot totem pole for the city of Ketchican, Alaska. This pole is a dedication to the Tongass Tlingit of South East Alaska. This was followed by a second totem pole also for the Saxman Village near Ketchikan.
Dempsey’s own career began when the art and culture was near extinction. He understood the importance of teaching and training new artists to insure that the art would continue at the highest level. Stan’s valued assistance on commissioned pieces led to a working relationship that continues to this day. He also began making his own pieces using both Tahltan-Tlingit styles and the added influence of the personal style of his uncle. Working side by side with Ken McNeil also led to numerous collaborative pieces. Bevan created mask-bowl frontlets and other items in the Tahltan – Tlingit style.
In 1987, he made the important decision to become a full-time artist. Since that time, Bevan has produced an impressive body of work that has shown he has learned well from his uncle and has begun to develop an independent style that is providing individual recognition and a reputation for monumental commissions.
Stan Bevan has used both the traditional training approach by apprenticing to his uncle as well as a formal training course at the Kitanmaax School for Northwest Coast Indian Art in Hazelton. He worked with Vernon Stephens at ‘Ksan in 1979. Bevan also learned the traditional dance of his maternal Grandmothers.
The dancing has helped Bevan to understand the intricacies and uses of the pieces he creates. It has always been the belief of Dempsey Bob that dancing is an important part of creating art and Bevan has used the dance as inspiration for his work.
Awards:
2011 BC Creative Achievement Award in First Nations’ Art
Works by this Artist (Present + Past + Public)
Present Works
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Young Shaman Mask
Stan Bevan
$4,450.00 CADYellow Cedar wood, Leather ties
9 x 8.75 x 3.75″
10.5 x 8 x 6″ (including base)
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Tlingit Box Abstract I (Blue)
Stan Bevan
$200.00 CADLinocut on Rice Paper, Variation II, Edition of 35
2020
Unframed
(For inquiries on custom framing, please contact the gallery)
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Tlingit Box Abstract I (Red)
Stan Bevan
$200.00 CADLinocut on Rice Paper, Variation I, Edition of 35
2020
Unframed
(For inquiries on custom framing, please contact the gallery)
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Spirit Wolf
Stan Bevan
$200.00 CADLinocut on Rice Paper, Edition of 75
2019
Unframed
(For inquiries on custom framing, please contact the gallery)
The Wolf was revered as a powerful and skillful hunter on land. The Wolf is considered the land manifestation of the Killerwhale; it mates and guards its family for a lifetime.
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Northern Man
Stan Bevan
$250.00 CADLinocut on Rice Paper, Edition of 75
2019
Unframed
(For inquiries on custom framing, please contact the gallery)
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Matriarch Mask
Stan Bevan
$8,300.00 CADAlder Wood, Abalone, Hair, Sea Lion Whiskers, Acrylic Paint
The regalia of a privileged Matriarch would include wearing a frontlet as a headdress when attending special ceremonies. Frontlets are typically worn by high-ranking individuals as a display of crests and status. Often, they are decorated with materials that imply great wealth and power, such as Abalone shell and Sea Lion whiskers.
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.