Darren Joseph
Darren Joseph is a Coast Salish Native from the Squamish Nation. Darren grew up in North Vancouver, and now resides in Powell River, British Columbia. His ancestral name is Shmoqwilum, which he received when he was 17 years old.
Darren began sketching and carving as a hobby, at the young age of 7. Darren has always been surrounded by Native art and culture throughout his life. His lifestyle is strongly based on his traditional values and beliefs that he was brought up with, and taught by his family and respected elders.
In 2003 Darren chose carving as a full time career. He has been guided and apprenticed with well known carvers from Squamish, Northern Tutchone, and Haida. In addition to his numerous masks, Darren worked on a totem pole in 2004 and has also worked on 5 ocean going canoes.
Darren Joseph artwork specializes in carving masks in red and yellow cedar as well as alder. There are three different types of masks that he produces: Moon Masks, Portrait Masks, and Animal Kingdom Masks. Darren also carves panels, totem poles and ocean going canoes and creates artwork that is of the highest quality, and deals with galleries around the world. His careful attention to detail is demonstrated in each piece of his work and Darren enjoys challenging himself to use different techniques. He is committed to carrying out his work in a responsible manner that reflects his teachings. Darren’s shares the stories and legends of First Nation peoples through his work. His intention is to keep Aboriginal culture alive through his artwork today, and for the next generations to come.
