Portrait Mask depicting Woman with Labret
by George Pennier, Coast Salish First Nation
alder, abalone inlay, human hair
7.25” high x 6” wide x 3.25” deep
Coast Salish artist George Pennier was born in Mission City, British Columbia in 1957. He is a member of the Chehalis Band. He began his career in 1976 when he started carving and designing with help from his cousin, Willis Peters. In 1980, George attended Tony Hunt’s prestigious design and carving course at the renowned Arts of the Raven located in Victoria, British Columbia.
In 1981, George began working with Floyd Joseph, and apprenticed under Kwakwaka’wakw master carver Beau Dick and Coast Salish master carver Francis Horne. George works primarily in cedar and alder, carving masks, bowls, plaques and totem poles. As well. he has created several limited edition silkscreen prints.
