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ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

MARLO WYLIE BRILLON

Marlo Wylie Brillon is Haida and Cree from her mother’s side, and Cree from her father’s side, and belongs to the Laana Tsaadas clan of Skidegate. From an early age, Marlo was taught to uphold the cultural traditions of her Ancestors. Primarily focused on Haida teachings, she learned Haida songs from her mother, Kalga Jaad Erin Brillon, and has been participating in ceremony and cultural performances from the age of six.

An experienced printer in both textiles and art prints, Marlo learned this craft at age 14 and, having many extra school credits, has worked full-time in this field since she was 16 years of age. She is the primary printer for Totem Design House, her mother’s clothing and home decor business.

Marlo began creating original design work around age 17, learning Haida art from her uncle, celebrated jeweller Skil Xaaw Jesse Brillon, and Kwakwaka’wakw art from Chief Kwamxalagalis Andy Everson. With her uncle, and her partner Karver Everson’s guidance, Marlo has moved into carving cedar, starting with panels. In 2021 she began learning how to create bentwood boxes from Richard Sumner, a Kwakwaka‘wakw master bentwood box-maker and carver. Marlo has been eager to create ceremonial pieces for her family, and her first mask will be danced at her clan’s wedding feast on June 25, 2022.

Marlo has been awarded two YVR Emerging Artist Scholarships (2019 and 2020), providing opportunity to exhibit her work at the Vancouver International Airport and the Museum of Vancouver. She is also an active member of the Kumugwe Cultural Society and the Xyuu Dancers, with whom she regularly sings and dances. Marlo’s full-time focus has been completing her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology at the University of Victoria, which she received in June 2022. She now plans on working at her art practice full time.

Marlo would like to acknowledge and thank all her mentors who continuously support her: her uncle Jesse Brillon, her step-dad Andy Everson, and her partner, Karver Everson, for always sharing their knowledge and guiding her in her art practice.