Harris Smith

Harris Smith was a Kwakwaka’wakw artist, born May 25, 1942 in Oweekeno Village, Rivers Inlet, BC.

Harris Smith's work encompassed carving and painting bowls, platters, sculptures, large totem poles, and limited edition prints. He was taught by his grandfather, Lalkawilas ("Chief Who Feasts the People til Morning"), and had been carving since 1973. Harris' work won several awards at BC Trade Shows and events. He was influenced by Willie Seaweed, Mungo Martin, and Tony Hunt. His two sons, Steve and Rod Smith, both trained under him, and are well established artists. In 2005, Harris, Rod, and Steve were all featured in the Changing Hands: Art Without Reservation 2 exhibition that opened at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, NY. Harris passed away in 2005.