Rod Smith

Rod Smith, born in Vancouver BC in 1966, is a Wuikineuxv (Oweekeno) artist residing on Vancouver Island with his wife Janice.  He was trained by his father, the late Harris Smith- (Lalkawilas) Chief, who feasts his people until the morning.  Rod signs his work; Thaelkualis – He who feasts the people from morning until next morning.  He often works in basswood, red and yellow cedar, arbutus, maple and canvas.  Rod is perhaps best known for his precise and elegant painting style.  His pieces include sculptures, masks, poles, original paintings, plates, vessels, bowls, and bentwood boxes.

In 2002, Rod completed an 8-foot pole in collaboration with his father and his brother, artist Steve Smith.  In 2005, Rod was featured in the Changing Hands: Art Without Reservation 2 exhibition that opened at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, NY.  In 2013, Rod was featured with his brother in an exhibition titled Collaboration & Contrast at Lattimer Gallery.  In 2019, Rod was selected by the BC Law Society to design their annual awards. Rod continues to explore contemporary North West Coast motifs and designs, and takes great joy in creating new and unique works.