Kwakwaka’wakw Artist | Comox Valley, Vancouver Island, BC

Quinn James, also known by his traditional name Quineesh, meaning white whale, is a Kwakwaka’wakw artist from the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Deeply connected to his heritage, Quinn was raised in a family where cultural traditions were a way of life. His father, Simon Dick James, played a pivotal role in passing down cultural knowledge, including the traditional protocols and carving techniques of the Kwakwaka’wakw people. Quinn carved his first mask at the age of 13 under his father’s guidance — a moment that marked the beginning of his artistic journey.

Quinn’s work is rooted in his community’s artistic traditions, yet he brings his own distinctive, contemporary perspective to each piece. His hand-carved masks honor the cultural teachings he grew up with, preserving techniques that have been passed down for generations. Quinn’s deep understanding of traditional regalia and ceremonial performance sets his work apart. Having danced in traditional regalia himself, including performing the Raven Transformation Dance, Quinn has a unique perspective on the functionality of masks, allowing him to create works that are not only visually striking but also practical for traditional use.

A significant part of Quinn’s artistic practice involves sustainably harvesting cedar bark, a critical element in Kwakwaka’wakw regalia. Following knowledge shared by his elders, he carefully strips cedar bark without damaging the tree, a method that has been practiced for centuries. This direct connection to the land and cultural tradition is reflected in the authenticity of his work.

Quinn’s approach to art has also been shaped by prominent Northwest Coast artists, including Beau Dick, Ian Reid, and Junior Henderson. In addition to his mask carvings, Quinn has collaborated with family members on totem pole restorations and large-scale carvings, further expanding his artistic practice. Today, he continues to carve, study, and refine his style while remaining firmly rooted in his cultural traditions.

Through his work, Quinn is dedicated to ensuring that traditional Kwakwaka’wakw carving practices and cultural protocols are upheld and respected. His carvings, infused with both ancestral knowledge and contemporary expression, serve as powerful representations of his people’s enduring legacy.