Artist Profile | Nalaga O'Brien

Avis Nalaga O’Brien, a Haida/Kwakwakw’wakw artist, was born in Alert Bay, British Columbia. She belongs to the Kaa’was Staa’stas Eagle Clan from Kiusta Village in Haida Gwaii and the Geegilgum Clam of the Likwiolk people of Cape Mudge. Nalaga’s introduction to the treasures of the Northwest Coast started when she learned to weave from her older sister, Meghann O’Brien. This was the beginning of her journey to where she is now, embracing the richness of her cultural heritage and creating jewelry and artwork that reflects the beauty of Northwest Coast Native design.

Avis O'Brien | The Frog Print Project

I always get very excited when one of the Beyond Buckskin Boutique artists spreads their wings both artistically and professionally, and so it gives me great honor to highlight the work of Avis O'Brien and her current project.

While we know her through Beyond Buckskin for her beautiful hand-woven cedar bark bracelets and earrings, she also creates other work and has apprenticed under notable artists such as master Haida carver Jay Simeon.

Artist Profile | Avis O'Brien

We've recently added a new artist to the Beyond Buckskin Boutique. Her name is Avis O’Brien, she is Haida / Kwakwaka’wakw, and she heads up her company, Nalaga Designs.

I'm very excited to introduce her work to the Boutique because her work - her cedar bark woven jewelry - represents an important continuation of the ancient legacy of Northwest Coast woven adornment. She fuses age-old techniques with modern style to create jewelry we can wear to work, to gatherings, and for events. Click below to read our interview and learn more about this artist.