It appears that your cart is currently empty
Order online or call us +1 (604) 731-9292
James Michels
James Michels was born and raised in Merritt, British Columbia, and became interested in Native Art at the age of sixteen. Traveling as a young man through Western Canada, James was able to observe different artists and their works.
Later on, while employed at a log home company in 1994, he gained the experience with tools and materials that enabled him to begin carving. He has apprenticed with acclaimed Coast Salish artist Joseph Campbell and cites Carrier artist Larry Rosso as a source of inspiration. This developed into an interest in bentwood boxes, which has become his specialty.
James created custom bent boxes for the participants of the 2005 PGA Golf Skins Game in Whistler, BC. In 2008, he created a large bentwood box for the Royal Bank of Canada called "The Mendl Gathering," which contained only inlays and operculum shells.
James' bent boxes can be found in many of the most notable Northwest Coast galleries in North America, as well as in private collections around the world. He has been commissioned by clients such as the Canadian Federal Government, former Prime Minister Paul Martin, former President Bill Clinton, Jim Pattison, and singing legend Joni Mitchell.
Salmon Bentwood Box
James Michels (Metis)
Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are...
Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions. Salmon was a...
$200.00
Frog Bentwood Box
James Michels (Metis)
Frogs are both social, vocal and are associated with the power of transformation and the ability ...
Frogs are both social, vocal and are associated with the power of transformation and the ability to traverse worlds. As the primary spirit helpers of shamans, frogs are communicators and often represent the voice of the people. Frogs were often carved at the top of totem poles to symbolize the communication of warnings or impending danger. Frog is generally given large eyes, prominent lips with a projecting tongue and webbed feet.
$200.00
Salmon Bentwood Box
James Michels (Metis)
Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are...
Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions. Salmon was a...
$200.00
Bear Bentwood Box
James Michels (Metis)
Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are...
Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions.Bear is one o...
$300.00
Bear Bentwood Box
James Michels (Metis)
Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are...
Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions.Bear is one o...
$300.00
Split Eagle Bentwood Box
James Michels (Metis)
Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are...
Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions.Eagle is an e...
$300.00
Eagle Bentwood Box
James Michels (Metis)
These works are hand-painted and design features may vary. Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Nor...
These works are hand-painted and design features may vary. Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, in...
$600.00
Eagle Bentwood Box
James Michels (Metis)
These works are hand-painted and design features may vary. Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Nor...
These works are hand-painted and design features may vary. Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, in...
$600.00
Wolf Bentwood Box
James Michels (Metis)
These works are hand-painted and design features may vary. Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Nort...
These works are hand-painted and design features may vary. Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, inc...
$600.00
Eagle Bentwood Box
James Michels (Metis)
These works are hand-painted and design features may vary. Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Nort...
These works are hand-painted and design features may vary. Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, inc...
$800.00
Abstract Bentwood Box
James Michels (Metis)
These works are hand-painted and design features may vary. Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Nort...
These works are hand-painted and design features may vary. Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, inc...
$1,200.00
"Lots of Love" Bentwood Box
James Michels (Metis)
Carved on all sides of the walls, the lids, and internally.
Carved on all sides of the walls, the lids, and internally.
$2,400.00
1 – 15 product(s) of 15