Shaun Peterson (Qwalsius)

Shaun Peterson (Qwalsius), a native of the Puyallup tribe, began sketching at a young age, with his Grandfather at his elbow, critiquing and encouraging depth in his design. He began working as a sculptor shortly after graduating from high school. He received his training from Native master carvers including Steve Brown, Greg Colfax, George David, and Loren White and now works in wood, glass, metal, and digital media. He also paints and creates screenprints. Peterson’s work has been exhibited regionally at the Tacoma Art Museum and Seattle Art Museum and in Victoria, British Columbia. In 2010 he completed a monumental Native welcome figure for Tacoma's Tollefson Plaza and has since received a variety of commissions for large-scale public works for Kobe, Japan and City of Seattle among others.

Peterson’s work continues the ancient artistic traditions of the Northwest Coast First Peoples, particularly the art of the Southern regions that encompass the many tribes of Western Washington and Southern British Columbia known as Salish territory.

In the fall of 2005, Shaun received the Native name Qwalsius; which belonged to his great grandfather. In receiving the name, by tradition Shaun accepted responsibility to honor, through his creative expression, not only his immediate family, but the community which he is part of as well as the ancestors.

For additional information and images visit the artist's website: http://www.qwalsius.com/ [accessed Oct 2021]

source: the artist's website and Stonington Gallery