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Phil Gray
Philip Gray was born and raised in Vancouver and has been carving since 1999. He is a member of the Killer Whale clan, creating the majority of his works in his traditional Tsimshian style. As a young carver, his work possesses an unusual sophistication. Phil’s work is some of the most creative, innovative and paradoxically traditional art in the contemporary Northwest Coast art world.
Gray learned his carving skills from Gerry Sheena, and worked with artists Mike Dangeli, David Boxley, Henry Green, Lyle Campbell and Ian Reid. He also had the opportunity to study Advanced Design under renowned Haida artist, Robert Davidson. He has specialized in carving masks, panels, poles, sculptures and drums. Although his earlier work was made in more generalized Northern design principles, through study and practice he has developed a distinct Tsimshian style. At the opening for the New York Museum of Arts and Design exhibition “Changing Hands: Art Without Reservation 2,’’ Phil stated that his goal was to “bring Tsimshian art to another level.” While Gray carves for the commercial market, he also produces works for use by his own family. He distinguishes between the two in his art using more general versions of old stories for commercial work and more specific stories for work that will be used in dance or ceremony.
In 2012, one of his pieces was featured in the exhibition, "Shore, Forest, and Beyond" at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Most recently, Phil was awarded the BC Creative Achievement Award in Aboriginal Art from the Government of British Columbia in 2014.
g̱a̱lts'ap (Village/Community)
Phil Gray (Tsimshian)
Edition /75 This print is available framed for $1,700 CAD. Please contact the gallery directly. g...
Edition /75 This print is available framed for $1,700 CAD. Please contact the gallery directly. g̱a̱lts'ap g̱a̱l = container forts'ap = people/tribe The main figure is of a mother wolf with a cub at her feet and another still in her womb. I liked the idea of wolves for this concept because of their tight community-based society. In my experience, women have always been the ones to step up and ensure that our community could be a safe place. They also lead the way by ensuring that we have a fu...
$1,200.00
Mediigm gitwaaltk' (Grizzly Bear Warrior) (Work...
Phil Gray (Tsimshian)
"This is a tribute to my late uncle, Eric Gray, who inspired me to consider becoming a carver. Ma...
"This is a tribute to my late uncle, Eric Gray, who inspired me to consider becoming a carver. Many regarded him as having a true warrior spirit, as that's the way he lived his life. He dedicated himself to sharing artistic, cultural and political knowledge, to help empower all Indigenous people. He belonged to the Gisbutwada clan of the Ts'msyen, and one of his main crests was mediik (grizzly bear)" - Phil Gray
Thunderbird & Killer Whale Panel
Phil Gray (Tsimshian)
*Available to order only Edition /8 Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incor...
*Available to order only Edition /8 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 a...
$25,000.00
Thunderbird & Killer Whale Panel
Phil Gray (Tsimshian)
This artwork is available for pre-order only. Please contact the gallery directly to purchase. Ed...
This artwork is available for pre-order only. Please contact the gallery directly to purchase. Edition /8 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 comm...
$25,000.00
Thunderbird & Killer Whale Panel
Phil Gray (Tsimshian)
Edition /8 Please contact the gallery directly to purchase. This finish needs to be ordered to m...
Edition /8 Please contact the gallery directly to purchase. This finish needs to be ordered to make. 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 ...
$25,000.00
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