| Bill Helin |
Bill HelinWeLaaxumYout was born in Prince Rupert B.C. Canada in October of 1960. His Mother is Norweigan and his late Father Arthur was a Tsimshian Indian Chief by the name of Hyemass.Bill has had a very rewarding career as a designer, creative gold and platinum engraver, painter, woodcarver, book illustrator and writer.His designing abilities in art, design and jewelry follow his Tsimshian Indian traditions, telling stories and displaying native `Life Crests` that transform and come to life in every beautiful creation. Bill`s versatilty as an artist has made it difficult for him to stay focused in one areaother than jewelry, but has given him a few back areas in his marketing abiltities especially with the art work becoming so competitive. For most part he is focusing on developing his story telling productions through illustration, video and communicating the stories with Tsimshian language narration. "I feel this kind of creative production is what will make it easier for me to work with more young people, to develop the many traditional stories, before they die with the elders." My Family History
My mother Carole May is Norweigan and her father Ingvar Wick was a fisherman, boat builder and artist. Her mother Carrie was born in Newfoundland. My mom is quite the artist and has creatively worked with me in my career a number of years back. My tribe is the Gitsees, who originally settled around the entrance of the great Skeena River. Like my father I was a fisherman till 1979 when an accident on my fish boat steered me in the direction of my art career, which began at the Ksan Indian Art School in Hazelton B.C. in 1982. I am very blessed to have my heritage as a big part of my career, for it has taught me great respect for my ancestors and all the aboriginal cultures of the world. My creative quest is to pass on what I`ve learned to our children, which we have six, and to our future generations so that they too will have respect for their ancestors. Tyaaks. We have placed a clip on the web site for you to view. The interview will give you a better visual of what I am all about and explain to you some of my upcoming and past experiences. |
My Father Arthur Herman Helin, was a Tsimshian Indian from the Village of Lax`Walaams in Northern British Columbia. He was named after the great warrior Hye`mass of the Gitlan Tribe. Both his parents Henry and Maude were Chief`s and great leaders of their people.