Spence Shaw

Spence Shaw is liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ from the Wei Wai Kum Nation. He has been practicing art since he was a young man in school, working in various art mediums such as charcoal and ballpoint pen. For the past 20 years, Spence has focused primarily on martial arts.

In his mid-20’s he felt a strong pull to learn more about his liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ heritage. However, due to the impacts of colonization, he had limited connection to his culture. 

“Our family held our first feast in over a hundred years in 2022, and since then, my connections have begun to grow. I’m beginning to seek an apprenticeship with my oldest brother, Raymond Shaw. Raymond has 30+ years of experience carving, painting, and designing Kwakwaka'wakw art and is a valuable member of the liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ community. I’m finding my cultural connections to the liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ people through this apprenticeship and beginning my kwakwaka'wakw art career.”

Spence Shaw notes that his inspiration comes from many sources, extending beyond Indigenous art to encompass other painting, drawing, and even anime art styles.