Tsimshian Artist Kyle Hudson

 

For well over 10,000 years, the Tsimshian people have occupied the territories along the northern coast of what is now British Columbia around the Nass and Skeena rivers, as well as several islands of southern southeast Alaska. Their seafaring culture is based on harvesting the abundance of the Pacific ocean. 

 

Historically, the Tsimshian had a complex society which developed a rich, sophisticated, and highly stylized art form.  Although it was in danger of dying out in the 1900’s, Tsimshian art is making a strong come back in communities like Metlakatla, Alaska.

 

Kyle Hudson is an artist born and raised into the Laxsgiik Eagle Clan of the Tsimshian community of Metlakatla.  Kyle was 11 years old when he began learning from his uncle, the world renown Tsimshian master carver and art teacher, Jack Hudson.

 

For eight years, Jack taught Kyle the fundamentals of Tsimshian formline and carving. Kyle quickly became known for his laser-like focus and attention to the finest details. Kyle’s body of work includes traditional cedar masks and paddles, as well as plaques, panels, and 2-dimensional paintings.  His work can be found in many private collections and in fine art galleries throughout southeast Alaska.  

 

Kyle’s style is genuinely unique. 

 

He is firmly grounded in traditional Tsimshian aesthetic, but he knows that the Tsimshian have always been an innovative people who were constantly pushing the boundaries.  His modern interpretations of traditional Tsimshian art have a dramatic flare that not only captures your attention, but also honors the ancient values of his ancestors.