2021 Calendar by Sean Whonnock

About the Artist:

Sean Whonnock (Wanukw "River owner") is a Kwakwaka'wakw artist working in wood, canvas, stone, and precious metals. Sean was born and lives in Alert Bay in  British Columbia on the west coast of Canada.

At the age of nine, his cousin, Joe Peters, introduced him to the North West Coast Native Art form. At age twelve, Sean was selected to enter a carving program led by George Hunt Jr. This knowledge further encouraged and influenced his abilities as an artist. Other influences on Sean's art include Beau Dick and Wayne Alfred, George Hunt Jr., Richard Hunt, Tony Hunt, and Calvin Hunt. Sean draws further inspiration from the works by the late Mungo Martin, Willi Seaweed, and Charlie James, luminaries in the world of Kwakwaka'wakw art who have inspired many other artists.

Sean has been carving and painting professionally since 1990. He is continuously refining and defining his own style. His love of the art is inspired by the Kwakwaka'wakw culture.

Sean's work is prized by private collectors, galleries, and museums. Sean also contributes his work to the community. In 1997, Sean and his brother Johnathan Henderson began planning a carved pole to be raised in Thunderbird Park at the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria. The two men began carving the pole in 1998 and in October 1999 they raised the pole, a ceremony marked by a traditional Feast that was widely attended. The carved pole represents symbol thanks to the Coast Salish people for sharing their lands with the Kwakwaka'wakw people of Northern Vancouver Island.