Tim Boyko

Northwest Coast Native Artist Tim Boyko from Haida Nation

Haida Nation

Born in 1960 in Queen Charlotte City on Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Tim Boyko has been carving for over 40 years. Currently, Tim lives in Uearset.

He first began carving at the young age of 14, and his primary medium by choice was Argillite, which is a black shale stone indigenous to the Haida Gwaii. Eventually, Tim progressed to jewelry and his favourite metal, silver.

As Tim notes, “We used to steal Billy’s (Bellis) mom’s quarters. The quarters made before 1968 had enough silver in them to work with. We’d pound them into shape, and make pendants out of them,” he says. “I love silver because it’s got a nice feel to it, it’s soft.”

His apprenticeships were with luminary artists, such as Bill Reid during the 1980’s, prominent Argillite artist Alfie Collinson, as well as carving canoes with Morris White (Christian White’s father).

After 20 years of carving, Tim embarked upon his newest medium, wood carving. He carved a small totem for Skidgate Elementary School, but his first major work was a Sgaang Gwaii Pole at Qay’llnagaay where he was among the lead carvers. Tim says the design was inspired by a house frontal pole raised on Sgaang Gwaii.

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.