David Neel

(Canadian | Kwagiutl, born 1960)

David Neel (Kwakwaka'wakw) is an artist, photographer, and writer dedicated to promoting and preserving his Kwakwaka'wakw heritage of coastal British Columbia, Canada. He is best known for his carved masks about political, environmental, and social issues. Neel believes that "Native Indian tradition is a foundation to build upon, not a set of rules to restrain creativity."

Neel grew up in Fort Rupert on Vancouver Island, Canada. He notes, "From earliest memory I wanted to follow in the family footsteps and be a Native artist." He studied art and photography at the University of Kansas and at Mount Royal College in Alberta, Canada. His work has been exhibited at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in New York City, the National Portrait Gallery in Ottawa, Canada, the Venice Biennale international art exhibition in Italy, and more.