Corrine Hunt, Tlingit & Komoyue Nations. Born in Alert Bay British Columbia in 1959, Corrine has been creating contemporary art that reflects the themes and traditions of her First Nations Komoyue and Tlingit heritage since 1985. A member of the Raven Gwa’wina clan from Ts’akis, a Komoyue village on Vancouver Island. Corrine’s rich family history and her uncles have influenced her art. Corrine’s works include engraved gold and silver jewelry and accessories, custom furnishings in carved stainless steel and reclaimed wood, modern totem poles and other sculptural installations. From the beginning of her career Corrine has searched for unique ways to bring the stories of her First Nations culture to contemporary life.
“I want to show how both the First Nations people and the art have evolved,” she explains. In that process, she is continually inventing and reinventing stories from her culture, honoring her roots and cultivating a refreshing artistic expression at the same time. The results are extraordinary pieces that are both ageless and contemporary. Similarly, the custom furnishings combine materials that speak to old and new, and bring the concept of living culture into contemporary homes. Corrine began designing furniture and other installed art pieces in part because in First Nations households, adorned furnishings are part of daily life. She also is the co-designer of the 2010 winter Olympic Games medals.