Traditional First Nations Coast Salish Carving and Design
By Coast Salish Artist Jody Wilson
In the forests of the west coast of British Columbia stand the mighty Yellow Cedar that has been the traditional wood used for carving by the Coast Salish artists. For centuries Yellow Cedar has been carved to reveal the spirits and animals of the west coast of British Columbia.
Welcome to the West Coast
’Uy’ kwunus ’i lumnamu - It's good to see you
Where the Spirit lives
Jody Wilson, a Coast Salish First Nation Artist, grew up in Ladner, British Columbia, Canada, the traditional territory of the Tsawwassen, Musqueam and Hwlitsum First Nations and of all the Hun’qumi’num speaking people who have been stewards of this land since time immemorial. This small town on the back waters of the mighty Fraser River was a fishing and farming community surrounded in the natural beauty of mountains, ocean and rivers. The surrounding area and wildlife provide much of the inspiration and subject matter for Jody’s artwork.
The work of Jody Wilson
His work was introduced to the Vancouver Museum in 1984. Since then, it has been distributed throughout the world with pieces in The Museum of Art in New York, The Commonwealth Institute in London, England and private commissions in Australia, South Africa, Japan, Germany, the United States and Canada. Jody has made his mark as a Master Carver in a variety of mediums. Creating artworks like totems, carvings and masks from yellow cedar to bracelets, earrings, rings and pendants from gold and silver. Jody’s work is highly sought-after by many collectors of Northwest Coast First Nations artwork from around the world.
Where Creativity Creates Spirit
Every commissioned piece tells a unique story. A story of relationship, family, welcoming or one pertaining to the reason of its creation. The spirit of the story is told through the creation of the piece carved by Jody Wilson to allow the story to last through eternity.
School Teachings in 2022
Richmond Christian School
Completion of a school based class carving project at Richmond Christian School
The Sun God
Commissioned
Commissioned piece for Saint Pauls Hospital prayer room. Made from yellow cedar, acrylic paint and copper inlay . Measures 4 ft 6 inches wide, The Sun God is giver of life , the Hummingbirds are the spiritual healers , and the hands represent reconciliation for events of the past year .
BlackFish Carving
Lords of the Ocean
Carved in Yellow Cedar and Finished in Natural polish, the Killer Whale or Black Fish symbolizes family, romance, longevity, harmony, travel, community and protection. They are said to protect those who travel away from home, and to lead them back when the time comes.
Spirit,Wood & Metal
Northwest Coast First Nations Artist
Master Carver Jody Wilson
Every commissioned piece tells a unique story. A story of relationship, family, welcoming or one pertaining to the reason of its creation. The spirit of the story is told through the creation of the piece carved by Jody Wilson to allow the story to last through eternity.