Crystal Cabin Featured Haida & Nisga'a Artist: Steve L. Hansen

Meet Steve L. Hansen, Northwest Coast Carver and Portrait Artist

Northwest coast carver and portrait artist Steve L. Hansen was born in 1971 in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. His background is Haida and Nisga'a with his father from Masset, Haida Gwaii and his mother from New Aiyansh.

Steve has been carving for more than 20 years, as well as practices portrait art in graphite, paint, and wood.

He began carving in Prince Rupert in the early 90’s. During this time, Master Carver, Geo McKay, taught Steve the carving fundamentals at a local carving shed.

Steve’s carvings are sought-after by collectors from around the world and his illustration projects can be viewed in museums and TV programs, such as, Gwishalaayt: The Spirit Wraps Around You, a documentary on the origin and development of Chilkat blanket weaving.

Steve resides in Vancouver, British Columbia where he is currently pursuing training in jewelry making.

"Steve is creative in his detail and originality. His smaller pieces are so well-thought-out and really show off his talent and skills. I enjoy seeing the pieces he comes up with," shares Dutes Dutheil, founder of Crystal Cabin.

You can see Steve's craftsmanship and attention to detail in Crystal Cabin's recently acquired carving called Eagle's Flight. The following photos were taken near the end of this carving's completion.

Eagle's Flight is carved of yellow cedar, red cedar, and alder and mounted on a thinly carved, but structurally durable feather of yellow cedar. When placed by light, this thinly carved feather is illuminated. The base and wing tips are red cedar. The head is carved of alder. The details of the carving, such as carved faces within the eyes, intricately carved wing tips, and feather mounting, are what make this carving truly special.