"I carve and pursue the spiritual aspect of art as a practice of my traditional culture. Coast Salish people have always been here and always will be here."

I am a Samish tribal citizen who has deep roots to this place on my both indigenous and European ancestral lineages. My family has been living on Guemes Island since Pete Bohn and Jacqueline Haddon Bohn were living on West Shore. My Samish ancestors have had villages here since time immemorial.

Much of my inspiration for carving comes from my mentors Bill Julian Bailey and Brian Perry; both are talented Coast Salish carvers that have guided my skill and spirituality of art. I try to study historical examples of traditional Coast Salish art, of which there isn’t a bountiful supply that survived colonization.
I’m particularly interested in carving things that will be used; canoe paddles, bowls, drums and making my own tools.

I CAN TEACH:
- Tribal History
- Basic Painting
- Basic Carving
- Small projects such as a dance paddle.

All Artwork ©Sam Barr