Kelvin (Kelly) Robinson was born on May 18, 1981 in Nanaimo, British Columbia, but grew up in Bella Coola. Kelly was exposed to First Nations artwork from an early age and expressed interest in learning and refining his works, specifically the unique design forms of the Nuxalk.

Under the guidance of Master Carver, Alvin Mack, Kelly developed his own techniques in the creation of two- and three-dimensional art forms. He has apprenticed with artists Jim McGuire and Gordon Dick. Robinson has also mentored under noted artists Tim Paul, Rob Hamilton, Dempsey Bob, Alvin Mack, Stan Bevan, and Ken McNeil.

Kelly’s desire for artistic development and perfection led him to enroll at the Native Education Centre in Vancouver where he learned jewelry carving. Later, Kelly attended the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art. In 2019, Kelly was awarded the YVR Art Foundation Mid-Career Artist Scholarship for his contributions to Indigenous art in BC. In 2020, he won the BC Achievement Fulmer Award in First Nations Art.

Robinson uses his art to tell stories of the Nuxalk and Nuu-chah-nulth people, land, and culture. He examines stories of the supernatural, potlatch societies, as well as the land and the sea in his artwork. His work is represented in private, corporate, and public collections in Canada.

Kakawin's Lesson

Kakawin's Lesson