Karla L. West

Karla L. West was born and raised in Vancouver in 1969 to Edna West and Iver Lauten. Her native heritage and ancestry is from the Nimpkish River. She is a member of the Northwest Coast ‘Namgis band in Alert Bay, which is located in Kwakwaka’wakw territory.

Karla has always been interested and involved in art. She is mostly self taught but has had some training by her uncle, Albert West. Her love for him and his artwork has been a major source of inspiration in her artistic career.

Karla has developed a unique and modern style enabling her to capture the spirit and beauty of her subjects without sacrificing tradition. Karla is proud to carry on this tradition of her heritage and hopes to share it with many people across Canada and worldwide.