Chris Russ

Haida artist Chris Russ began carving in 1975 and is an accomplished argillite carver, but also carves in wood, silver, and gold. He was born August 9th, 1956 to Haida parents June and Reynold Russ, who is the Hereditary Chief of Old Masset. The Kincolith Nisga'a people adopted his grandmother. His clan crests are Wolf, Eagle, and Killer Whale. He is well known for his beautiful jewelry, argillite carvings, and more.

Chris has sold his work all around the world to private collectors and has had his work featured in exhibitions. In May 2005, he had one of his argillite sculptures in a show at Masters Gallery in Calgary Alberta. Chris has learned from, and been inspired by the other argillite carvers in his family. Many of his family members are also weavers.

“I want to be recognized for my carvings and pass this knowledge on to my nephew. I am going to build a carving studio this coming year. I love to carve argillite. I enjoy walking and being with nature. I get most of my ideas from my spiritual connection to nature. I have two teenage children who keep us very busy. I also carve gold, silver, and a little wood, but I like carving argillite best."