Nancy Dawson
Silver Eagles Jewelry
"If you want to start a business and
something is in the way, go around it. You can't always solve it or fix
it, but don't let it stop you," says Nancy Dawson of Silver Eagles
Jewelry.
Dawson is an accomplished Kwaguʼł jewellery designer / producer
and a wood carver. Her art is her livelihood, which she approaches with
constant enthusiasm and professionalism. As a result, her work is
actively sought by private collectors, museums, and galleries throughout
North America.
She was born in Alert Bay on northern Vancouver Island in
September 1954. Her mother Catherine Beans was from the
Mamaleleqala-qwe-qwa-sotenox nation on Villiage island and her father
Don Gesinghaus, was of German descent. Dawson credits her family for her
success as an artist. Her father was a talented wood and metal worker
who fashioned intricate wooden railings that both fascinated and
inspired her.
Her mother raised Nancy in the "potlatch circle" which
contributed greatly to Nancy's sound understanding of her culture.
However, it was through Nancy's efforts to develop her son's interest
and understanding of Kwaguʼł art that she became inspired to begin
designing. The invitation to reproduce her designs in red and yellow
cedar could not, and would not be ignored. Nancy has been carving poles
and masks since 1980. She was invited to participate in the carving of the
world's largest totem pole which graced the 1994 Commonwealth Games in
Victoria, B.C.
Always open to new challenges, Dawson expanded her portfolio
in 1990 to include designing and producing gold and silver jewellery.
She began her business with determination and an artistic skill which, she says, "I got from my father." She also carved under Tony Hunt and John Livingston.
She attributes her success to her
belief in producing a quality item at a good price and guaranteeing it.
She seeks challenges and opportunities to combine art with culture,
and has a sound understanding of business principles. She has trained and works with her nephews Vincent Henson and Chance Gesinghaus.
Dawson has developed a lifestyle
rich with creative expression; a lifestyle which includes her family and
her culture. She continues to produce outstanding work and welcomes
any challenge whereby she can combine her skills as an artist with her
culture.
Website: www.SilverEaglesArt.ca
Phone: (250) 388-5075
