Kung Glun Nay (Moonlight House)
Award-winning artist Joyce Bennett is recognized throughout the islands and abroad for her distinctive Haida-style clothing. Joyce combines traditional sewing methods and Haida artwork with bold and contemporary colours to create her one-of-a-kind garments. Joyce designs both everyday casual wear as well as formal and ceremonial garments, button blankets, scarves and vests, woven cedar bark hats and baskets. Joyce’s work has been featured in numerous fashion shows and exhibits on Haida Gwaii and in other locations, including the Emily Carr Institute in Vancouver and the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec. Joyce has been the recipient of two awards of merit at the All Islands Art Show. Joyce’s work has been sold to collectors around the world.
Meet Joyce Bennett
Meet Joyce Bennett
Joyce Bennett has always appreciated the casual, laid-back Haida Gwaii lifestyle. She admits that she has never owned a cell phone and rarely touches a computer, preferring instead to live a quiet, uncomplicated life while surrounded constantly by nature. She maintains very close ties to her Haida culture and heritage through relationships with family and community involvement, as well as through mastering the ancient arts of Raven's tail weaving, cedar bark weaving and Haida art. Joyce's sewing and garment-making work has gained attention and acclaim not only in BC but also throughout Canada and abroad.
Joyce was born and raised on Haida Gwaii and declares, "there is no place like it!" From the abundant fresh air to the bounty of wild food, it is an amazing place to live. Her entire family, including several grandchildren, comes from Haida Gwaii, and they play an important role in her life. Joyce feels very blessed by her life here and always strives to maintain a bright outlook, even through stormy weather.
Joyce's artwork is an integral part of her life. Much more than a hobby, it is a means of connecting with her past and tying it to her future. Though she sells many pieces, she also spends a great deal of time making clothing for her family. In addition to creating wearable art, Joyce also enjoys cooking and is skilled at preparing traditional Haida cuisine.
