Kelly Robinson

Born in Nanaimo, British Columbia 1981. Kelly Robinson’s roots and family originate in Bella Coola, BC with descendants from both the Nuxalk and Nuu-chah-nulth nations. He was exposed to first nation’s artwork from an early age and had always been interested in learning and refining art specifically the unique design forms of the Nuxalk. Kelly Robinson learned Nuxalk design and conventions from the Nuxalk artist Alvin Mack. While Kelly has made a name for himself with his carving and jewelry, he has started to branch out and apply his designs to other media.

Kelly graduated from the Northwest coast Jewelry Arts Program at Vancouver’s Native Education College. Immediately following this, he apprenticed under Haida Jeweler, James McGuire. In 2012, Kelly graduated from the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art. Therefore he continued his studies under a mentorship program with Tim Paul. During which time Kelly enlightened himself with Nuu-chah-nulth stories and perfected his mask making abilities in the Nuu-chah-nulth style.

Many of his pieces display traditional Nuxalk design with a modern twist, such as reversing positive and negative space in places.