‘When I first saw Robert Davidson’s work in a book I loved it so much it stuck an arrow in my heart and I kept it. I am still a painter today. Today my painting is fifty years old.’
Pacific Coast Native Artist Charles J. Craigan was first inspired to draw in the third grade when he first laid eyes on Robert Davidson work in a library book at his school. That same book was thereafter signed out by his as he began his own process to learn his craft and traditional art.
His natural talent and efforts were further developed while working with local carvers Arnold Jones and Jamie Jefferies. His hard work and dedication where rewarded when he was commissioned the age of 24 to illustrate a trio of children’s books How Robin Got its Red Breast, Mayuk the Grizzly Bear and Salmon Boy available at Harbour Publishing.
Charles is a member of the shíshálh (Sechelt) Nation, a coastal Salish people located in the Pacific Northwest. Joe Le Dally, the Sechelt chief who gave the name Mayuk to his grandson in the story Charlie illustrated was his great-great grandfather.
Charles J. Craigan uses Golden Artist Color Paints, Premier Artist Paint Brushes and all his work is painted on RagPaper.
