Joe David is a master carver and one of the most important proponents in the revival of traditional Nuu-Chah-Nulth carving and design.
Born in the village of Opitsaht, off the west coast of Vancouver Island, Joe is a member of the Tla O Qui Aht tribe. He began carving while living in Seattle, where he produced his first artworks upon seeing photographs of historic artifacts in local museums. In 1971, Joe was introduced to noted carver Duane Pasco and Northwest Coast art historian Professor Bill Holm; it was with their guidance that the artist developed a richer understanding of the formal design elements of Northwest Coast art. Pasco in particular encouraged Joe to focus on two-dimensional representation and to experiment within a variety of Northwest Coast styles.
In the decades since these formative experiences, Joe has become a master of Northwest Coast design. Fluent in both Nuu-Chah-Nulth traditions and the classical design practices of other groups on the Coast, Joe blends these styles into a distinctive and personal aesthetic that often reference his participation in ritual activities, such as the Lakota Sundance, and significant events in his personal life.
Joe has participated in many important exhibitions throughout his career, including the Royal British Columbia Museum's groundbreaking "The Legacy" in 1972, which for the first time, combined historical and modern works together as a continuing tradition. In 1984, Joe David carved The Cedar Man as a part of the historic people's movement to protect Meares Island (Wanachis-Hilthoois) from industrial logging. The Cedar Man was raised with the support of the Nuu-chah-nulth community at the BC Parliament Building and is now featured in the Museum of Anthropology.
He was a member of the Northwest Coast Indian Artists Guild, which marked the first time that Northwest Coast artists combined their efforts to control the marketing and quality of the art.  In 1997 he was commissioned by British Airways through the Inuit Gallery to design an image for the tails of several of their passenger aircraft.  The result of this commission was Whale Rider, which can be seen around the globe, a welcome and uplifting sight for travel-weary Canadians. In 2000, Joe contributed works to the grand re-opening of Canada House in London, England. One of these was a portrait mask of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, now in the permanent collection of the Royal Museum of Scotland. Joe has also participated in the Lakota Sun Dance ritual every year for the past 13 years and in this capacity has been a bridge between that culture and the Tla-o-qualt.
The Inuit Gallery held Joe David's first major solo exhibition, "Wolves at The Door", during the winter solstice and the beginning of the Tlukwana, or wolf ceremonies, in 2001. In the years since then, Joe David has continued to follow his passion for working in a wide variety of media, including works on paper and significant works in glass with artist Preston Singletary.
Resounding in his artwork is a deep sincerity and dedication to his cultural heritage. Unencumbered by ostentatious details, Joe’s subtly beautiful creations draw focus to the harmony of form and line, and the relationship between rituals and objects. In an era defined by the constant barrage of stimuli, Joe’s sculptures and graphics are a welcome interlude from the cultural trappings that overwhelm the senses. Artfully conceived and meticulously crafted, each art work encourages contemplation. We invite you to take the time to view and appreciate the timeless art of Joe David.