Crystal Cabin Featured Haida Artist: George Yeltatzie

George Yeltazie (2017) sharing a photo of himself from 1970.

Meet George Yeltatzie, Haida Carver from Masset, Haida Gwaii

Carver of Silver and Copper Jewelry with Passion for Three-dimensional Work

George Yeltazie, who is of Haida and British ancestry was born in 1950 in Skidegate and grew up in Masset, Haida Gwaii, where he currently resides.

George began pursuing artwork and the creative expression in the 1970s. He started with drawing and fondly remembers the artistic inspiration that came from drawing horses that roamed free around Masset.

George Yeltatzie in 1975. Copyright Ulli Steltzer. Source: University of Victoria: “Black and white photograph of George Yeltatzie carving a small argillite pendant on a raised mount. Only his upper torso is in view. He is look downward at the carving so that the top of his head is in view. In one hand, he is holding the carving upon a pedestal on a table and carving with a blade in his right hand.”

George, who considers himself a spiritual person, is inspired by animals, their messages, and the universe around us. Much of his work is influenced by his connection to animals and the signs and symbols in nature. George started getting into spirituality in the 1980s. As he developed spiritually, so did his artwork.

He has worked in many mediums, including drawing, painting, argillite, silver, copper, and today can be found experimenting in 3-dimensional artwork, which gives life to his pieces.

George develops his craft by trying new techniques and mediums, including ivory, titanium, and other new materials.

Browse some of George’s latest work: