Artists

Fossil & Stone represents showcases local Seattle artists Eddie Lee along with several other artists. Each artist brings a unique perspective to their craft, sharing Eddie's reverence and dedication to the natural world.

Eddie Lee

Born in 1960 in the emerald city of Nha Trang, Vietnam, Eddie expressed his curiosity for art by sketching the world around him as a young adult. At age 18, he fled Vietnam as one of the hundreds of thousands of “Boat People” seeking refuge and a new start. After surviving a week in open seas and six months in a Malaysian refugee camp, he arrived in the United States - young and determined to find a purpose and passion in his new life.

Eddie made Seattle, Washington his home. It’s there that - without the help of formal training - he discovered his carving ability. He explored the Pacific Northwest and Alaska extensively, where he observed the native peoples’ traditions, art forms, and spiritual relationships with the natural world. Moved by nature and the wilderness, Eddie was inspired to convey its beauty through his art.

Since establishing his studio in 1980, Eddie Lee has garnered respect from art lovers and collectors worldwide. His place as one of the country’s most inspired and gifted artists is reflected in print media and TV coverage on networks such as CBS and PBS. You can also find his work displayed in a few West Coast museums.

Each piece from Eddie’s studio is a one of a kind, handcrafted piece by him and his original team of artisans. These pieces reflect the strength and the spirit of the subject and draws from the symbolism and spiritual connection of generations of indigenous people who have come before us. The subject, shape, and material are an expression of Eddie’s feelings and give new life to old forms. Eddie keeps pushing the limits of his art and achievements. Ultimately, he hopes to see his art on display in museums for all to enjoy across the globe.

Matthew Baker

Matthew Baker has been carving since 1978. He was taught by his father, Richard Baker Sr., and his brother, Richard Baker Jr. Matthew's work consists of carved cedar masks, doors, and sculptures that have been purchased by collectors all over North America and Europe. He often works in the Salish style. He is from the Squamish/Kwakwaka'wakw nation in North Vancouver, BC. Born 1966.

Albert and Larry Joseph

Albert and Larry Joseph are cousins from the Squamish nation. Larry lives on the Cheekeye reservation near Squamish B.C. Sixty years of age. Albert lives on the Capilino reservation,North Vancouver B.C. Fifty years old. Both carvers carve a contemporary style of Coast Salish art form.

Edward Lawrence

Edward Lawrence has been a craftsman all his life. He started out as a moccasin maker in 1971. Working with all types of leather accessories. Next, he explored Native American beadwork. It was through creative experiences like these that he was eventually introduced to fossilized walrus ivory. The bulk of his collection is made out of fossil walrus artifacts from St. Lawrence Island, Alaska. Amongst harpoon tips, sewing needles, and ice testers, you will also find ancient game shards from private lands in the Southwest, turquoise, old coins, skeleton keys, and... who knows! Inspiration knows no bounds.

David Louis Jr.

David Louis is Coast Salish and was born in 1969. His mother was Squamish and his father Musqueam. He lives on the Musqueam reserve in Coast Salish territory. He's a longhouse dancer and speaks his language. He received a Musqueam name 'Gush-tane-m', and a Kwaguilth name 'Numigalas'.

David developed his own style while carving red cedar for over 20 years. He began by watching and copying his father and other older carvers. He's been taught by Dave Nahani, Edmund Williams, Darren Lewis, Peter Charlie, and William Watts. He carves Masks, totem poles, and plaques.

Brad Starr

Brad Starr is a Haisla caver born in Kitimat, British Columbia in 1957. In 1995, while working in the construction industry, Brad was presented with a set of carving tools by his brother. Inspired by art created by his uncle Sam Robinson and his grandfather Solomon Mackay, Brad began to explore the art of carving. Master carvers Joe Bolton (Haisla) and Jimmy (Kwakuitl) have helped him define his own unique style of presenting the stories and images of his heritage. Brad’s talents are presented in many forms; including panels, masks, plaques, and totems.

Shanti Yard

Shanti Yard exclusively works with burl wood to create one of a kind sculptural vessels. The pieces are initially prepared into rough, workable shapes with a chainsaw. Sometimes he mounts the pieces onto a lathe and turns them. At other times, he utilizes grinders to sculpt organic forms by hand. Each piece is then finely sanded soft and smooth. Shanti then applies a urethane oil-based topcoat, which produces a beautiful hand rubbed quality finish.

The burl lends itself to unique bark inclusions and distinct grain patterns, unveiling the inherent beauty of nature. No two pieces are alike. Shanti often incorporates crushed stone, mineral specimens, silver and copper powder inlay and antler for dimensional purposes and beauty.