Gerry Sheena

Cultural Background: Coast Salish Nation, Merrit BC

Gerry Sheena was born April 13th, 1964, in Merritt, BC. He is a member of the Coast Salish Nation and has been carving since 1990. Growing up, he spent hours watching his brother, Roger Swaikum, carve, and though he’s mainly self-taught, Gerry has received some guidance from Henry McKay, and renowned Kwakwaka’wakw artist, Stan Hunt III. Hunt in particular assisted Sheena in refining his detailing, which is reflected by the superb finish of his current pieces. Gerry attended the Emily Carr School for two years and Langara Community College for one year where his studies focused upon the Fine Arts.

Sheena’s private work can be found throughout galleries in BC as well as the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia. His carving style is traditionally Salish, informed by modern painting techniques and innovative use of colour and design.