Alvin Adkins

Haida

Alvin was born in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada in 1959. He is a self-taught artist who works primarily in gold, silver, and wood.

Alvin began his artistic career in 1971. He has been counseled by distinguished colleagues such as Dempsey Bob, Freda Diesing, Bill Reid, Robert Davidson and Don Yeomans. Alvin has established himself as a prominent artist whose style reflects intricacy, experience and quality. He is currently concentrating most of his time toward carving jewelry pieces. His jewelry is sought after by collectors worldwide.

During Alvin’s career as a professional artist, he has contributed many of his works back to his community to raise awareness and funding, to ensure that the art of his culture continues. He was accepted into Aboriginal Arts Program for the 2010 Olympics, where his artwork was on exhibit. Alvin also received a great honor, as he was chosen as the recipient of the esteemed 2010 British Columbia Achievement Award for First Nations Art. He continues to create works in the traditional Haida style, helping to keep his culture alive.

In 2013 he was commissioned to carve an 18kt gold bracelet for the Vancouver Opera. With a two inch width, it is the largest bracelet Alvin has carved to date. To honour this achievement, he included the four main crests of the Haida: Eagle, Raven, Killer Whale and Wolf.

Alvin is one of the many Haida artists who, through maintaining the traditional Haida carving style, is preserving his heritage for future generations.