Joe David | The Canadian Encyclopedia

Article

Joe David

Joe David, Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka) artist (born in 1946 at Opitsat, BC). A member of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, Joe David is a leading figure in modern Northwest Coast Indigenous Art.

Joe David

Career

Joe David was inspired by the arts of the Nuu-chah-nulth people from childhood. In particular, he was inspired by his father, Hyacinth David Sr., who was a carver. David studied in Seattle and apprenticed with Duane Pasco, a non-Indigenous Northwest Coast artist.

In later years, his cousin Ron Hamilton (Hupquatchew) inspired him to take an interest in all aspects of his culture. David's works are found in international, public and private collections, including the Canadian Museum of History, the Royal BC Museum and the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia. A carver of exquisite totem poles and masks, an accomplished singer and dancer in Nuu-chah-nulth ceremonial occasions, David is also known for his innovative serigraphs (silkscreen prints).