George Gardner Designs

He is an Artist/Wood Carver that designs and creates signature Canoe paddles, plaques, Staffs and wall piece Designs of the Tlingit and Haida Tribes. He designs and paints tribal designs on Handbags and Shoes. Gardner is the son of George Gardner of Craig, Alaska, and the Late Geraldine Gardner. George is Tlingit and Haida Indian; He is Litseen at Kach’a’ ak’u, Yéil naax xat sitee, Duk'tool, Wéix' naax xat sitee, Taakwaaneidi Hi't (Raven/Skulpin house) from the village of Sxwaan of the Heinyaa Kwaan (Klawock) people. He is Chankweidi Yadi. (Child of the Haida people on his father's side). Each piece of work is a signature piece. Gardner uses traditional material like Red and Yellow Cedar, Copper, and Abalone in his art. He has been carving over 40 years, since he was 15 years old. The Raven (Yeith) design is in honor of the trickster as it is Raven that brought us sunlight and the stars. The Eagle is our honored half. His strength and commitment to our lands and people is experienced every day. In Tlingit culture, a house is balance when it is represented by each Moeity; Raven and Eagle. Each piece of work carries the spirit and strength of the Eagle, Raven, Wolf, Killer whale, Bear and other animals with it. This is why Tlingits never make an artwork without the eyes. The eyes are the gateway to the soul, without them, the spirit is soulless.