Jim Hart

Jim Hart is a highly accomplished Haida artist and hereditary chief whose work bridges classical Northwest Coast forms with contemporary expression.

Born in 1954 in Old Massett, Haida Gwaii, Jim is a member of the Eagle Clan and a descendant of renowned Haida master carver Charles Edenshaw. He began carving seriously in 1979 and worked alongside Bill Reid from 1980 to 1984, assisting with several of Reid’s major sculptures, including “The Raven and the First Men” and “The Lord of the Undersea”. He also worked with acclaimed Haida artist Robert Davidson and later refined his jewellery-making techniques in Vancouver before returning to Haida Gwaii.

In 1999, Jim raised a 17-metre (55-foot) totem pole carved in honour of his family at a Memorial Chieftainship Potlatch in Old Massett, where he received the hereditary chief’s name 7idansuu, a name previously held by Charles Edenshaw.

Today, Jim divides his time between Old Massett and Vancouver. Alongside his artistic practice and responsibilities as a hereditary chief, he is committed to supporting emerging artists in his community and encouraging younger generations to carry Haida art and cultural knowledge forward.

His monumental sculptures, totem poles, prints, and jewellery are held in collections around the world and are recognized for their beauty, integrity, and innovation.