Artwork copyright David Neel. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Shaman Riding Mythical Killerwhale, 2002

David Neel
Canadian, Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiutl) (born 1960)

Location: Cedar Valley Community Elementary School, Lynnwood

About the Artwork

Shaman Riding Mythical Killerwhale is a bronze sculpture by artist David Neel (Kwakwaka'wakw), styled in the Northwest Coast tradition. The sculpture is inspired by a myth in which a chief's son is abandoned by his jealous brothers. He encounters a killer whale who can transport him, but Neel notes, "every time he thought of reaching home and getting revenge on his brothers, the whale turned around and returned to the island. After many false starts, he gained control of his emotions and made it home."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Edmonds School District.

About the Artist

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.