Artist, Entrepreneur, Matriarch

Shar Wilson, Gitxsan Artist

Sharlene Wilson grew up on the Gitsegukla Reserve in Gitxsan Territory. Shar loves her culture as taught to her by her Mother and Grandmother. She is from the frog clan of Ladaax and inherited the name of Wiihlbuun. Wiihlbuun translates to 'the splash made by the whale's tail as it hits the surface of the ocean. 

Sharlene came by her art via a tragedy. She lost her youngest son, Jordan, in 2009. Through her grief process she found her Gitxsan art, prior to the loss Shar was working as a finance worker for various First Nations. Gitxsan art showed her through her grief and helped Shar navigate this part of her journey. 

Today, Sharlene lives on Galiano Island with her husband of 40 years. Her children and her grand children are her everything and are the centre of her life. She continues to create and teach herself new process like laser art.