Clinton Work

Kwakwaka'wakw

Clinton Work was born in 1975 in Campbell River, BC. He is of Kwakwaka’wakw descent. He began learning Kwakwaka’wakw art and history at a young age, studying early Kwak’wala language and applying traditional stories to his artwork in his childhood. During the 1990’s, he apprenticed with the Nanaimo-based artist Phil Ashbee, and worked with him to create a major installation for the Port Theater in 2000. In 2005, he trained with the Saulteaux artist Kelvin Thompson who taught him how to carve silver and gold. Clinton continues to create some of the most interesting and unique jewelry in the Northwest.

Clinton has established himself as an exceptional contemporary artist, working in a wide variety of mediums. He’s recently distinguished himself as a multi-media painter using layered abstraction of traditional formline as a signature style. He continues to draw attention from collectors and exhibitors around the continent.