Wayne Alfred was born in 1958 and is a member of the Namgis First Nation, located in Alert Bay, British Columbia. In addition to his Kwakwaka'wakw heritage, Wayne also has Nuu-chah-nulth and Tlingit ancestry.Wayne is very careful to understand the history and meaning of the pieces that he carves. He studies the carvings in the U'mista Cultural Center, and the early pieces in the numerous books in his library. He is well known for creating culturally and technically accurate pieces. Wayne has produced a number of important carvings inspired by works created by the master carvers of long ago. Wayne is also an important mentor for a number of young artists, the most notable being his son, Marcus Alfred. Wayne is involved in the artistic aspects of his culture, is a noted dancer, avid potlatcher and a respected traditionalist.Wayne Alfred is a distinguished graphic artist and painter, and is renowned for his meticulous carving. He has carved and impressive Oyster Catcher Rattle with and intricate 'torture scene' on the back of the elegant sculpture. This work was inspired by an oyster catcher in: Siebert, Erna and Werner, Forman 1967. North American Indian Art. Masks, Amulets, Wood Carvings and Ceremonial Dress from the Northwest Coast. The Hamlyn Publishing Group Ltd. Plates 57 and 58.Wayne is also known for his masks, bowls, clappers, raven rattles, talking sticks, totem poles and other monumental sculptures. He is well represented in private collections in Hollywood, as well as the notable J. Hauberg private collection. He has helped to carve a traditional pole for Stanley Park, in Vancouver Canada, and also assisted with the poles for the new Big House at Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada.Wayne Alfred's work was featured in the exhibit, "Down from the Shimmering Sky: Masks of the Northwest Coast" which was produced by the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Royal British Columbia Museum. This impressive exhibition traveled throughout North America.Wayne's carvings have been published in books, exhibition catalogues and calendars on more than twenty occasions. He has four pieces that were used as advertisements for galleries in the American Indian Art Magazine.
