Hollie Bear Bartlett is a member of the Haisla Nation and her family crest is Killer Whale, revered for its strength and skill as a hunter. Hollie began her artistic career when she moved to Vancouver and worked as a photographer for Kahtou News: The Voice of BC First Nations. Her jewelry career began in 1998 with an apprenticeship under Master Carver Corrine Hunt (Kwakwaka'wakw/Tlingit). Corrine taught Hollie the principles of jewelry including gold and silversmithing, stone setting, casting and overlay. Hollie also worked with contemporary goldsmith Michael Reynolds.

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Hollie's jewelry showcases her exceptionally fine hatching and crosshatching, her stone setting and range of manipulation over her mediums of gold and silver. Her sterling silver Whale Tail pendants are among her most popular jewelry items. One such pendant was gifted to Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.