Karl (River) Harris
Seabird Island, Sto:lo Nation
Born in Coos Bay, Oregon. His family originates from Seabird Island, Sto:lo Nation and Port Douglas, Lower Stl’alt’imx who come from a line of traditional cedar basket weavers, canoe carvers, artists, and Heredity Chief and Princesses; who also respectfully gathered indigenous plants and herbs for natural remedies for well-being.
Growing up under the view of Mt. Cheam and survival from the river, his ancestry extends throughout the Valley of British Columbia in Sto:lo Nation territories along the Fraser River. His childhood education and teaching were obtained in Agassiz and Mission, BC. After completing high school, Karl attended a chef training program and post secondary schools in Vancouver including Blanche MacDonald Career College, The Native Education Center and Langara College.
Throughout his growth he has worked in the retail industry in Vancouver and Los Angeles. After returning from Los Angeles in the early 90’s, Karl started to use his abilities as an artist to create clothing with his own designs. He started sewing clothing at the age of ten on a Singer pedal sewing machine after watching his grandmother create and manipulate clothing. Combining his style and his traditions that were obtained from his mentors Reynold Collins & Charlotte Point of Skowkale, he produced clothing and attended the Art and Pow-wow circuit. From that point on he has learned other styles and traditions from his family and friends in the territories.
With all his influences, he incorporates his art onto fabrics creating melton wool vests, cashmere shawls and accessories. His work also includes ceremonial wear for memorials and family gatherings.
Karl Harris Designs
