Richard Sumner

From the time he was a boy, Richard Sumner always knew he was going to be a carver. It was all around him in Alert Bay, as were the Kwakwaka’wak traditions of fishing and hunting. He’s best known for his achievements in the demanding craft of carved and painted bentwood boxes, using his skills and creativity to incorporate modern designs into an ancient form. His extensive body of work includes ceremonial masks, rattles and poles but his preference has always been for functional objects, like bowls, boxes and spoons. Richard’s bentwood boxes can be found in collections around the world and here at home at the Museum of Anthropology and the Royal British Columbia Museum.