KWAKWAKA’WAKW ARTIST
Artist: David Bell

Tribal Affiliation: Kwakwaka’wakw

Birthplace: Alert Bay, B.C.
Birthdate: March 15 1956

Deceased

At a young age David’s grandfather, Herbert Cook, influenced him to draw native designs. He seriously started into his art around 1994 when he did designs for his aunt Beatrice Smith for her button blankets. Since David first began, he worked on improving his art.

In 1995 he apprenticed under Bob Neel, learning about jewelry and design. Bob Neel is one of the sons of Ellen Neel, a well-known North West Coast carver. Bob also taught David about the designs and the importance of following the traditions within his art.

David’s work was focused on the traditions of the Kwakwaka’wakw people, but he has also been influenced by the more contemporary art form in his prints and jewelry. Never satisfied with his work, David was always striving to improve his art.