Sheena, Gerry

Gerry Sheena was born in 1964 in Merritt, British Columbia. He is a member of the Interior Salish Nation which inhabits the southern region of the province of British Columbia.He is a mainly self-taught artist who has been carving most of his adult life, working almost exclusively in yellow and red cedar. He has received some guidance and training from Henry McKay, and has worked extensively with renowned Kwakwaka’wakw artist Stan Hunt III. Hunt has greatly assisted Sheena in refining his detailing, which is reflected in his current works.

Sheena attended the fine arts programs at Langara Community College and the Emily Carr University of Art + Design Vancouver, BC, as well as a jewellery design program at Vancouver Community College. He continues to develop his work, incorporating Northern carving techniques with Salish graphic elements.

Gerry takes the Bear as his family crest symbol. Bear is one of the most prevalent family crest figures. It is symbolic of strength, motherhood, and a guardian figure.

Sheena’s carvings can be found at the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia, and at various public institutions and galleries in the Vancouver area.