Karver Everson

Pentl’ach/K’ómoks and Kwaguʼł artist Karver Everson was born in Comox, BC in 1993 and named Gayustistalas. This name once belonged to his father, Chief Rob Everson of the Gigalʼgam Walas Kwaguł from the Kwakwakaʼwakw People.

In the video below, Karver Everson discusses his work for 'I'TUSTO- Rising Again' - Calvin Hunt and Karver Everson, being mentored by Calvin Hunt and his approach to Northwest Coast Art.

Karver has been influenced greatly by his familyʼs connection to their cultural heritage and has always been eager to learn and uphold the cultural traditions of both his K’ómoks and Kwakwakaʼwakw ancestors. Karverʼs passion for art began early in life; First Nations art forms made appearances in his drawings and pieces throughout his childhood and youth. It was when Karver decided to further his skills at art school that his First Nations paintings and drawings flourished. As an artist in the early stages of his life and career, Karverʼs history as a carver is relatively recent. In the Summer of 2013, Karverʼs family was preparing to host a potlatch and Karver was called on to create many ceremonial pieces for the family. Heʼs been carving almost every day since.

Karver has been blessed by the mentors in his life. He has worked under the tutelage of Kwakwakaʼwakw master carvers Richard Hunt, Calvin Hunt, Mervyn Child, David Knox, Junior Henderson, and Rande Cook. His uncle, Andy Everson, has also taught him to understand multiple facets of Northwest Coast art including rules of formline and design. Karver has a Diploma of Fine Arts from North Island College and completed his Masters of Fine Arts at the University of Victoria in the Summer of 2022.

He is grateful to all the people who have helped him throughout his life and wouldn't be where he is today without their love and support. Gilakasʼla.

In 2022 the Art Gallery commissioned Karver to carve a custom totem pole for the front of the gallery. Below is a video sharing the details behind that process and the meaning behind the pole.