“From inspiration through to artistic expression... it’s as if I am experiencing innate memories that connect me deeply to my cultural past. It’s as if my brain is really doing the seeing, not my eyes. The feeling of this cerebral vision is supernatural... magical.” April White earned her Bachelor of Science degree in geology from the University of British Columbia. She has worked as a field geologist in many remote areas of the North American West, rendering the natural world into maps and honing her inherent artistic inclination. This experience has been invaluable in developing the visual faculty fundamental to creating her works of art. The essential spirit she captures reflects a life defined by proximity to the salt water of the Pacific Northwest Coast. Gaining an internal perspective while working on the water and fully experiencing the dynamic power of this life-force, strengthened an enduring personal connection. April White was born on Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands), of the Daadens Yahgu’jaanaas Raven Clan. Through her father, she is a direct descendant of the renowned Saangga.ahl ‘laanaas-Sdast’a.aas Eagle Chief and Haida artist Charles Edenshaw and Daadans Yahgu’jaanaas Raven Haida weaver Isabella Edenshaw. Formally named Sgaana Jaad (Killer Whale Woman) in potlatch by elders of her clan, she strives to honour this powerful name and to be respectful of their wisdom in her naming. Entirely self-taught, April’s natural inclination stems from her Haida heritage where being an artist is an honoured, traditional profession. The freedom to explore the limitless possibilities of imagination and creativity is a legacy of this tradition. April feels it is a privilege to honour her ancestors as she interprets the natural and mythological world. “The Haida have a saying, ‘This world is the same as the edge of a knife. When you are walking, watch your step or you will fall off the edge of the earth.’ Inherent in the creation of my art is an awareness of the challenges presented by my choice of media: every stroke or cut is irrevocable and fills me with exhilarating suspense... I’m living on the knife’s edge.”