CULTURAL GROUP:
Kwakwaka'wakw/Tlingit
BORN:
1959
BIRTHPLACE:
Alert Bay, BC
A member of the Raven Gwa’wina clan from Ts’akis, on Vancouver Island, Corrine’s rich family history includes her Grandmother, A’neesla’ga (a Tlingit noblewoman from Alaska), internationally renowned First Nations artists Henry, Richard and Tony Hunt, all of whom have influenced her art. Her maternal uncle, Norman Brotchie, piqued her interest with his hand carved jewellery and was instrumental in introducing her to the Kwakwaka’waka art. Corrine has lived in the Vancouver area since 1975, graduating from high school and continuing her education at Simon Fraser University, majoring in Anthropology. Since 1985 she has been creating contemporary art that reflects the themes and traditions of her heritage. Corrine’s work includes engraved gold and silver jewelry and accessories, sculptural installations such as totem poles, and custom furnishings in carved stainless steel and reclaimed wood.
Working with the concept of living culture, Corrine is creating fine art objects that are both aesthetically pleasing and of practical use. She is interested in exploring unique ways to translate the traditions of her First Nations culture; “I want to show how both the First Nations people and the art have evolved,” she explains. Corrine too has mentored First Nations and other artists, and continues to be a strong and vocal supporter of the arts in British Columbia.
She sells her work to galleries throughout North America, and is collected around the world. In 2006, she designed the logo for the World Peace Forum, which was held in Vancouver. She also has large installations at Whistler's Hilton Hotel, and the office for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). In 2009, Corrine co-created the medals for the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver with designer Omer Arbel. In 2019, she wrote the foreword to the landmark publication Understanding Northwest Coast Indigenous Jewelry by author Alex Dawkins.
