Joe Wilson

Joe Wilson (“Hak’wesagame’) is a descendant of Chief Alvin Edgar Alfred of the Kwakwaka’wakw tribe. Though he is mainly a self-taught carver, he has worked under the guidance of Tim Paul, Simon Charlie and Jim Gilbert. He prides himself in reproducing many of the important traditional masks. These masks were danced during the important winter ceremonies and depicted the mythological beings and creatures of the earth, sea and sky.

Wilson derives satisfaction from making his own carving tools and in reproducing some of the old traditional colours for his masks. Both of these skills allow him to produce works that are intricately carved and vibrantly painted. Wilson is deeply involved in the winter ceremonies of his people, and his artwork is defined by the use of traditional forms. Wilson is a wood carver, but he has also produced numerous limited edition prints. He currently resides on the Tsartlip reserve near Victoria where he continues to paint & carve cedar.