Stan Bevan

Stan Bevan was raised in the village of Kitselas on the Skeena River. His father is Tsimshian from the village of Kitselas. He is Tahltan - Tlingit through his mother’s side.

Stan Bevan was initially inspired to pursue an artistic career by his uncle, Dempsey Bob, one of the foremost master artists of this generation. Stan began carving under his guidance and was encouraged to apply to the Gitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Art and Design in Hazelton in 1979.

Upon graduation, Stan joined his cousin Ken McNeil to begin a formal apprenticeship under Dempsey’s instruction. Their first project was the carving of a 31-foot totem pole for the city of Ketchikan, Alaska, as a dedication to the Tongass Tlingit of South East Alaska. This was followed by a second totem pole for the Village of Saxman, near Ketchikan.

He began making his own pieces using both Tahltan-Tlingit styles and the added influence of the personal style of his uncle. Bevan has produced an impressive body of work, and developed an independent style, which has earned him recognition and a reputation for monumental commissions.

Like his uncle Dempsey, Bevan believes that dancing is an important part of creating art. Dancing has helped Bevan to understand the intricacies of utilitarianism and the cultural foundation and uses the pieces he creates.