Klatle-Bhi

Klatle-Bhi (pronounced “Cloth-Bay”) began his career by studying the works of his ancestors from museums and galleries. He apprenticed with master carver Simon Dick for two years and credits a large part of his success to that opportunity. Klatle-Bhi has also worked with artists Beau Dick, Wayne Alfred, Wade Baker and Rick Harry, taking influence on their understanding of native art and culture. He comes from a very traditionally rooted family where Squamish and Kwakwaka’wakw cultures are a large part of everyday life. Aside from his artwork, Klatle-Bhi aspires to maintain the languages, dances and songs of his ancestors.

He has been developing his carving over 20 years, and is committed to the spiritual and cultural expression of his ancestors, as well as integrating his own personal and spiritual journey into his work. Klatle-Bhi’s style is distinctive, always striving for the highest level of craftsmanship.

In 2008, Klatle-Bhi was commissioned by Petro-Canada to carve a 22-foot totem pole for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics as part of their national sponsorship of the games, and after the Olympics, the pole has come to be a permanent installment in the atrium of Petro-Canada’s Calgary Headquarters.

Klatle-Bhi’s artwork can be found in various public museums, including the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City and the Burke Memorial Museum of Natural History in Seattle. Klatle-Bhi has also created large scale commissions for corporate offices across Canada, and for private collections around the world.