Daniel Yunkws
After receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Victoria, as well as a year of self-directed studies in Scotland and teaching art for nine years, Daniel decided to develop his own artistic talents. He apprenticed with noted Gitxsan artist Phillip Jane & Master Carvers: Walter Harris and Earl Muldon.
Daniel combined his Gitxsan and Celtic Heritage by creating fluid designs pairing forms in a whimsical approach, setting him apart from his peers. He enjoys experimenting in silver and gold and improving his carving techniques in wood.
His medium of choice depends on what he is able to discover, and primarily works in birch, maple, alder and cedar, as well as silver and gold. As well as having drawings published in a few books and jewellery pieces reproduced by Fredericks Design.
Daniel assisted Earl in 2009, along with apprentices, Arlene Ness and Rick Wesley, in creating the poles installed at the Hazelton Campus of the Northwest Community College. He reveals beautiful images from the pieces he creates and is a truly gifted artist whose innovations and unique depictions show the evolution of Gitxsan art for future generations to embrace and understand.
Having started out in drawing and painting and always experimenting with many different techniques such as graphite pencils, pastels and paint, he can almost be architechtural in his drawings. His chalk pastels flow in pleasing curves and forms from soft shadings to hard, contrasting lines, to develop a soft, dream-like background in which he uses to build an image or sculptures.
