Collection: Danika Saunders

As a Northwest Coast artist, Danika’s earliest art influence and inspiration came from her love to always inspect, research and study old art pieces. With the book “Image Transfers” being her Bible, Danika is always on the hunt to study museum collections from First Nations and other nations around the world. Some of her influencers include her fourth generation carver husband who works with Haida artist Robert Davidson. Danika currently works at the Excel Cliff School, where she teaches art and culture, while innovating on the side with tattoo, creating jewellery and paintings.

Going back to 2010, Danika spent her free time in her high school’s art room in Bella Coola, with her art teachers. After receiving the YVR Art Foundation scholarship and the BC Arts Council scholarship -  Danika got an Earth Line Tattoo residency, where she learnt the hand poke and stick touch tattoo art. Danika has also received multiple awards for her art, including the BC Achievement Award, The Bill Clinton and Brenda Crabtree Emerging Artists Award. 

When it comes to her design or sketching style, Danika embraces new technology, where the majority of her designs start with a sketch on her Ipad.

“My goal as an artist is to always make art that is accessible or affordable to my community, so that they feel represented and supported.” 

With this collection, Danika hopes that whoever is looking at it or buying it, can see the focus on family, land and human connection.

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