 Vern Etzerza was born January 11, 1953 in Telegraph Creek in British
Columbia, to the Wolf Clan of the Tahltan People. He spent his early
years at a residential school where Indian culture was discouraged
and sometimes forbidden. In 1972, he graduated from high school and
spent the next 10 years in the construction industry. It was not
until the early eighties that Vern began to rediscover his native
heritage.
In 1982, Vern received instruction in Northwest Coast design from
Glen Wood. Soon after this, he met Gene Brabant and Started
carving under his instructions. As a teacher, Gene Brabant
placed emphasis on the study of old pieces.
Vern has carved many studies of museum pieces in all styles of the
Northwest Coast and from these draws inspiration for his own
original work. Vern's major influences include Russell Smith,
Joe Peters Jr. and Tony Hunt Jr.
He explains, "When I think I've finished a piece, I take an extra
day or two, or what ever it takes to make it that much better.
That much closer to the original visions."
Vern has become known for his carved and colorfully painted sun and
moon masks. Vern is the father of two boys. The oldest,
under his father's watchful eye is already dedicated to learning and
carrying on the art of his Tahltan tradition.
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