Rod Smith

Under the guidance of his Father, Harris Smith (1942-2005), Rod Smith has studied traditional Kwakwaka'wakw design forms and styles. The result of their collaboration has been a very distinct family style, also practiced by his brother, Steve. The Smith family essentially utilizes the traditional forms of their culture in a somewhat non-traditional manner.

In 2005, Rod's work featured alongside that of his brother and father's in a group exhibition. Rod is a versatile woodworker, creating unique sculptures in basswood, yellow cedar, and alder. The intricately painted pieces of the Smith family are much sought after and can be found in homes all over the world.

Rod is most known for his detailed and elegant painting style. His works consist of sculptures, masks, poles, original paintings, plates, vessels, bowls and bentwood boxes. In 2005, Rod was featured in the 'Changing Hands: Art Without Reservation 2' exhibition that opened at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York.

14 items

"Sunset" Sculpture
Rod Smith (Kwakwaka'wakw)

These works are hand-painted and design features may vary.

These works are hand-painted and design features may vary.

$900.00

Eagle Mask
Rod Smith (Kwakwaka'wakw)

These works are hand-painted and design features may vary.Mask without Stand: 4" H x 3 ½" W x 8" ...

These works are hand-painted and design features may vary.Mask without Stand: 4" H x 3 ½" W x 8" DEagle is one of the most important beings in the art and mythology of the Northwest Coast. It is respected for its intel­ligence and power, as well as its extraordinary vision, in both the literal and figurative senses. Eagles in myth are, likewise, usu­ally noble characters. Eagle is revered as a powerful hunter. Groups of mythical Eagles may gather for co-operative whale hunting expeditions, si...

$900.00

Eagle Mask
Rod Smith (Kwakwaka'wakw)

These works are hand-painted and design features may vary. Mask without Stand: 4" H x 3 ½" W x 8"...

These works are hand-painted and design features may vary. Mask without Stand: 4" H x 3 ½" W x 8" D 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 cha...

$900.00

Raven Mask
Rod Smith (Kwakwaka'wakw)

These works are hand-painted and design features may vary. Mask without Stand: 4" H x 3 ½" W x 9"...

These works are hand-painted and design features may vary. Mask without Stand: 4" H x 3 ½" W x 9" D 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 cha...

$900.00

Salmon on Driftwood
Rod Smith (Kwakwaka'wakw)

Salmon is fundamental to all coastal peoples, and is a symbol of regeneration, health and life. M...

Salmon is fundamental to all coastal peoples, and is a symbol of regeneration, health and life. Many myths tell of people taken to the undersea world of the Salmon and return with secret knowledge and powers. Salmon have always been viewed as the life force for Indigenous communities. Salmon is often represented by scales, small fins and striated tail fin.

$900.00

Salmon on Driftwood
Rod Smith (Kwakwaka'wakw)

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...

$900.00

Seal Head
Rod Smith (Kwakwaka'wakw)

These works are hand-painted and design features may vary.

These works are hand-painted and design features may vary.

$1,400.00

Seal Head
Rod Smith (Kwakwaka'wakw)

These works are hand-painted and design features may vary.   Indigenous artwork on the Pacific No...

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, i...

$650.00

Seal Head
Rod Smith (Kwakwaka'wakw)

These works are hand-painted and design features may vary.   Indigenous artwork on the Pacific No...

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, i...

$1,400.00

Seal Head
Rod Smith (Kwakwaka'wakw)

These works are hand-painted and design features may vary.   Indigenous artwork on the Pacific No...

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, i...

$1,400.00

Spring Salmon Bowl
Rod Smith (Kwakwaka'wakw)

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...

$1,600.00

Spy Hop Killer Whale Sculpture
Rod Smith (Kwakwaka'wakw)

These works are hand-painted and design features may vary. The term 'Spy Hop' refers to the actio...

These works are hand-painted and design features may vary. The term 'Spy Hop' refers to the action when Killer Whales bob near the surface of the water, 'spying' on their surroundings. 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 Northw...

$1,600.00

Wolf Mask
Rod Smith (Kwakwaka'wakw)

These works are hand-painted and design features may vary.Mask without Stand: 4 ½" H x 4" W x 8" ...

These works are hand-painted and design features may vary.Mask without Stand: 4 ½" H x 4" W x 8" DThe Wolf is respected for its strength, agility, intelligence, and capacity for devotion. Wolf is sometimes an agent of transformation and is a popular figure in crest, story, and shamanic art. Wolf is usually portrayed with a long snout, bushy tail, and prominent paws.

$900.00