Danny Dennis (1951–2012) was a self-taught Gitxsan First Nations artist known for his diverse talents in painting, printmaking, carving, and jewelry making. Born in Port Essington, British Columbia, Dennis was primarily raised in Hazelton, BC, and was of Tsimshian heritage. He began his professional art career in 1978 and became well-known for his unique works, which combined traditional First Nations motifs with his own modern interpretations.
Dennis worked with various mediums, including acrylics, watercolors, graphite, gold, silver, and even indigenous materials like West Coast ivory and mastodon. His works often depicted animals, birds, and mythical creatures, deeply rooted in both Formline Design and Realism styles. His art was exhibited internationally in galleries and museums across Canada, the United States, Europe, and Asia, contributing significantly to the renaissance of Northwest Coast Native art.
Throughout his career, Danny Dennis was inspired by notable master artists such as Francis Williams and Robert Davidson. His legacy continues through his distinctive jewelry and prints that are still admired by collectors today.
