lessLIE

LessLie is a well-established Coast Salish artist of Cowichan, Penelakut, Esquimalt, Irish, Italian, and French descent. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in First Nations Studies from Malaspina University College in Nanaimo, BC. He began to study Coast Salish art in 1995. When he first began, LessLie was inspired and encouraged by his cousin Joe Wilson. He was later influenced by other young Coast Salish artists such as Manual Salazar, Maynard Johnny Jr., Shaun Peterson, Stuart Pagaduan, Luke Marston, and John Marston. His primary influences are Susan Point, Robert Davidson and Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun.

LessLie is a graduate student at the University of Victoria, working on a Master of Arts degree in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on Coast Salish art. As a component of this graduate degree, LessLie has also worked at Thunderbird Park Carving Studio in Victoria.