Corey W. Moraes

Corey W. Moraes is of Tsimshian heritage (Lax Kwa’ Laams Band) and belongs to the Raven Clan. His work can be seen in many publications, museums, galleries and private collections in North America, England and Japan. His designs have gained international recognition through the American Museum of Natural History travelling exhibition Totems to Turquoise (2004-2007) and an Ornament Magazine (2004) cover story.

“As far as I know, there weren’t any artists in my family. When I was about twenty-five, I started to look back at my own culture, in an exploration of who I was. So I did research in museums, galleries, and books. And I had a moment of epiphany—the old pieces spoke to me in a certain way. I felt a connection between the design and me, and I felt compelled to research it. It’s my hope that every time I create a piece, it will live on long after I’m gone from this earth.”

— excerpt from “Totems to Turquoise”, American Museum of Natural History, 2004.