Doug Lafortune was born in 1953, in Bellingham, Washington. He was raised near Victoria on Vancouver Island, B.C., where he attended High School and later studied Fine Art at Camosun College. Uncertain of what he wanted to do, he went logging until 1972, when a visit to Simon Charlie at Kohsilah kindled a desire to carve. Simon, already a world renowned artist, took Doug on as an apprentice, and it was here with Simon’s teaching and influence, that Doug developed his unique and successful style. Doug has carved many pieces, from a 14 foot totem, to masks, feast dishes, talking sticks, rattles and animal figures. He also does a lot of design sketching and painting. This has led to the release of several silkscreen prints, one of the most striking being the “Cowichan Crest”

This mask was commissioned by HeeNilth. HeeNilth had not seen many hummingbird masks since her mother pearl danced the humming bird dance honoring George Clutesi in 1952. Doung Lafortune created this mask out of red cedar and using abalone in the eyes.The back of the heardress is lined with red cedar bark.

By Jimmy Joseph

Jimmy Joseph is a Kwakuitl artist . Jimmy has been carving for many years now and enjoys carving the animals revered in his culture by his people. These large plaques have colors that were used traditionally by Northern tribes. These designs are similar in style and form to designs painted onto the Long Houses that lined Alert Bay.

By Jimmy Joseph

Jimmy Joseph is a Kwakuitl artist . Jimmy has been carving for many years now and enjoys carving the animals revered in his culture by his people. These large plaques have colors that were used traditionally by Northern tribes. These designs are similar in style and form to designs painted onto the Long Houses that lined Alert Bay.

By Gordon Clayton

Gordon Clayton is an artist from the Nisgha Valley. The animals portrayed are the eagle, bear, and raven. Each of these animals are primary figures of great importance to the Nisgha people celebrated in their art, song, and dance. The Talking Stick was traditionally a symbol of importance used by chiefs. Whom ever held their Talking Stick at gatherings was then granted the right to speak without interruption. This protocol is still practiced at Native gatherings today.

By Eddie Jules

Eddy Jules has been carving for many years and currently resides in Nanaimo. Eddy’s ancestry stems from the Kyuquot Nation. He was taught to carve by the late Norman John (also shown at this site). Eddy carves in a traditional style of keeping his adzing within the carving, this process was partially made famous by Norman John. Adzing is the art of chiseling the work with a hooked knife to create a form. Today, Eddy is continuing the style and art of his teacher, all of his work remains in an unpainted form as this is what Eddy prefers best.

By Eddie Jules

Eddy Jules has been carving for many years and currently resides in Nanaimo. Eddy’s ancestry stems from the Kyuquot Nation. He was taught to carve by the late Norman John (also shown at this site). Eddy carves in a traditional style of keeping his adzing within the carving, this process was partially made famous by Norman John. Adzing is the art of chiseling the work with a hooked knife to create a form. Today, Eddy is continuing the style and art of his teacher, all of his work remains in an unpainted form as this is what Eddy prefers best.

To see carvings currently in stock click here.