Ivan Thomas Native Art
 
Ivan Thomas (Haa’iitlikshiilth) Haa’iitlikshiilth -becoming a lightening serpent Ivan Thomas is a young North West Coast First Nations artist known for his intricate carving work on sterling silver and gold jewelry. Ivan is a Nuu-chah-nulth native, born in the Tseshaht First Nation territory in Port Alberni, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. After graduating in 1992, Ivan moved to Vancouver, where he worked in his studio in the world-famous Granville Island artist community. Recently Ivan made a move to a larger workspace on South Granville. Since childhood, Ivan has been surrounded by North West Coast First Nations art, by carving tools and by carvers. His mother, an art gallery owner, and several notable carvers made it easy for Ivan to realize his dream to become a carver himself. By observing the work of, and learning directly from, several carvers and artists, Ivan has developed his own interpretation of the magical world of animals, mythical creatures and beautiful forms typical of the region’s First Nations art. Ivan studied under master carver Derek Wilson and has been influenced by several others, including Ron Hamilton, Patrick Amos, Art Thompson and Bill Reid. With the imagination of a true artist, Ivan continues to push the limits of what can be done, and he works constantly at creating new methods and new ways of expressing both the traditional and the contemporary. Combining efforts with brilliant stone setters, Ivan has carved and designed some of the most impresive wedding and engagement rings ever seen on the West Coast. Craig Hellemond, a childhood friend and glass artist has started using Ivan’s images in flame worked boro silicate to create some fantastic pendants and rings. Ivan is in high demand as a custom carver, completing wedding and other special rings, pendants, bracelets and other pieces according to the customers’ wishes. He is kept busy by the custom work, but when he has time, he supplies some of the best galleries and boutiques that feature First Nations art.