Otter Studios

British Columbia artist Adolf Oetter was born and raised in Bremen, Germany, immigrating to Canada in 1967. It was in Germany that he learned the skills of metal smithing, apprenticing for three and a half years in a slowly dying trade. In 1955, he was one of only three German apprentices undertaking formal metal smiths training; earning his journeymans certification in 1958. Metal smithing is a skill that can be directly traced back to the Middle Ages when talented European craftsmen fabricated suits of armor for 15th century soldiers. Later it evolved into a more widely appreciated art form as metal smiths learned to form ornaments and such practical items as teakettles and bowls. With special metal smithing tools he has created, Oetter pursues this unusual trade from his studio on Vancouver Island. His works are seen in fine galleries throughout the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

Artist Anita Valikoski was born in 1954 in Victoria, B.C. Anita was able to combine her lifelong love of art and the experience gained from previous career paths to open Otter Gallery in 1990 in Campbell River. For ten years, the gallery featured the works of over 100 Canadian artists. Anita joined Adolf and Ryan at the Otter Studio in 2000, she enjoys assisting them with production work and designing, but most of all she enjoys working with customers.

Artist Harold (Jackson) Alfred was born into the Namgis tribe, in Alert Bay, B.C in 1953. He is a member of the Kwakwakawakw (formerly Kwakiutl) Nation. Growing up in Alert Bay, constantly surrounded by the arts, he was influenced by the magic and majesty of the designs, figures and poles created by the great masters of the past. As a result, Alfred produces outstanding work, which has a contemporary feel and a strong sense of the past. Alfred shows his respect for his heritage by following the standards set by past masters and strives to develop a distinct style, which clearly depicts the strong traditional designs true to Kwakiutl art form. His logo is the powerful Thunderbird, which is one of the founding crests of the Namgis and is symbolic of his roots as a Namgis artist from Alert Bay. Alfred presently lives in Victoria with his wife and three children.

Artist Ryan Valikoski was born in 1979 in Victoria, British Columbia Canada. He has shown artistic ability from a young age. At the age of 18, Ryan began a non-formal apprenticeship with his uncle Adolf Oetter. Ryan works with Adolf, Harold and his Aunt Anita Valikoski at Otter Studios. He has formed a close working relationship with them and has learned many valuable skills. Working with artists Adolf Oetter and Harold Alfred, Ryan has acquired an appreciation for Native design and handcraft. In addition to becoming a skilled craftsman, Ryan has developed a great understanding of the hard work and integrity that goes into creating each piece of hand made artwork. He has been with Otter Studios since 1998.