Tribal Affiliation: Lower Elwha S’Klallam

Primary Media: Colored pencil, Watercolor, Pastel, and Photography

Roger Fernandes is a Native American artist whose work reflects the culture and beliefs of the Puget Salish tribes of the Pacific Northwest Coast. A member of the Lower Elwha S’Klallam Tribe, he was born and raised in Seattle and studied art at the University of Washington.

He works in a variety of styles and mediums, utilizing traditional and modern techniques to convey spiritual aspects of the tribes indigenous to western Washington. Several of his originals and prints depict the spiritual relationship between the Salish people and the salmon and between the basket maker and the plants she uses.

Much of his artwork is done in colored pencil which, through layering and burnishing, takes on a painted quality. He also works in watercolor, pastel, and photography. He has completed pieces for the Seattle Arts Commission, the King County Arts Commission, Metro, the Highline School District, and the Kent Schools.