Andy Everson facts for kids

Andy Everson (born September 20, 1972) is a modern Indigenous artist from Comox, British Columbia. He was given the name Nagedzi, honoring his grandfather, Chief Andy Frank. Andy's art is deeply inspired by his family's heritage from the Comox and Kwakwaka'wakw peoples. People describe his art as "magnificent" and "beautiful," saying it tells stories, sings songs, and shares legends.

Education and Early Life

Andy Everson was inspired by his grandmother to learn more about his traditional culture. He studied Anthropology at the University of British Columbia, earning both a bachelor's and a master's degree. His studies helped him understand the unique identity of the Comox First Nation, which is located between the larger Salish and Kwakwaka'wakw territories.

His knowledge of anthropology, including languages, led him to create a company called Copper Canoe, Inc. This company focused on creating media for Aboriginal communities.

Andy started drawing Northwest Coast art when he was very young. In the 1900s, he began his art career by designing and painting special "Chilkat blankets." These blankets were used in important ceremonies like potlatches. He blended traditional styles with his own modern touch in his artwork.

Other Forms of Art

Besides creating visual art, Andy Everson also performs traditional dances and sings ceremonial songs. He has performed these at potlatches and joined several dance groups, including the Gwa'wina Dancers and the Le-La-La Dancers. He even started his own group, the Kumugwe Dancers.

In 2011, Andy traveled to Taiwan with other Canadian First Nation performers. They were part of a special event celebrating Taiwan's 100th Anniversary. Andy has shared his culture through performances in Canada, the Netherlands, Mexico, and Taiwan.

Art Exhibitions

Andy Everson's artwork has been shown in many group exhibitions.

Recent Acquisitions from the Southwest (2018)

Andy's work was featured at the CN Gorman Museum at the University of California, Davis. This exhibition showed art from the Pacific Northwest Coast. It ran from October 3 to December 8, 2018.

Indigenous Futurisms (2019)

He also displayed his art in the Indigenous Futurisms exhibition. This show combined traditional art with a futuristic feel.

Àbadakone (2019)

Àbadakone was a large group exhibition at the National Gallery of Canada. It featured modern Indigenous art, including performances and videos. The exhibition was open from November 8, 2019, to April 5, 2020.

How Andy Creates Art

Andy Everson creates most of his art using a computer and a stylus on a tablet. Working digitally makes it easy to share and change his designs. While some people debate if computer art is "real art," Andy sees the computer as a powerful tool.

His studio has two giclee printers. These are like large inkjet printers but use special inks that make the art last much longer. Andy also does screen printing, which helps him create art with strong lines and interesting positive and negative spaces. He also explores carving, painting, and photo realism.

Two of his well-known artworks are "Idle No More" and "No Pipelines." "Idle No More" is a logo showing a fist holding a feather. "No Pipelines" is a graphic used on signs and buttons in Canada and the United States.

Andy's art is also featured in many books for kids and teens. Some titles include "Groundswell: Indigenous Knowledge and a Call to Action for Climate Change" and "I Am Raven: A Story of Discovery." He has also used characters from the Star Wars movies in his art to express his views on current issues.

The Royal Canadian Mint even engraved Andy's art on a special three-coin set. The coins featured designs of raindrops, sun rays, maple leaves, and a sunflower, symbolizing the four seasons. The designs also included an interconnection symbol, a beaver, a thunderbird, and a whale, representing land, air, and sea. These coins were made of solid silver or pure gold.

Awards

Jubilee Award

Andy Everson received the Queen Elizabeth II Royal Diamond Jubilee award. He earned this award for his work recognizing Indigenous veterans. The artwork that won him this honor was "Remembrance," a giclee print with a poppy design made from four thunderbirds.