Haisla / Tsimshian Nations
Burton Amos was born on June 10th 1963 in Kitimat, British Columbia, a port town off the northern coast. Burton is a member of the Haisla/Tsimshian nation. His traditional name is Ghe-Yal-Aghum, which in Kwakwaka’wakw translates to “Face that comes from the Beginning”. Burton currently resides in Vancouver, where he works in the film industry, on documentaries and short independent films, in addition to working as an artist and traditional carver.
Although being an artist and poet for most of his life, it wasn’t until he met Tsimshian/Cree artist Philip Gray in 2003, that he became serious about native art. In his visual work, Burton specializes in bentwood box-style design in his prints, regalia, masks, and small totems. He works in many media as a carver and printmaker and his work can found in private collections internationally. Along with his visual works, he also has a book of poetry that has taken 14 years to complete and will be published upon the completion of the accompanying artworks.
Burton Amos strives to preserve native languages and traditions through his many art forms, which each portray the sacredness of Haisla/Tsimshian culture and heritage in their own way. He plans to carry on the tradition of passing down his knowledge to his son and will continue to strive to give back to his community.
Exhibitions:
2009 Haida Masterworks, Coastal Peoples Gallery, Vancouver BC
2007 Coastal Legacy, Coastal Peoples Gallery, Vancouver BC
2006 Transcendence: a decade in perspective, Coastal Peoples Gallery, Vancouver BC
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