Tofino Artist Joe Bob

Joe Bob is a Coast Salish Carver from the Nanoose Bay area. He began to carve at a young age in 1981. He is the son of Joseph and Dorothy Bob. He comes from a family of carvers. His brothers, uncles and cousins all are traditional first nations carvers.

The Killer Whale is highly regarded by the West Coast native people and is symbolic of the traveller & guardian of the seas. He is believed to be closely related to the wolf, thus explaining the transformation from Killer Whale to Wolf. Joe carved this plaque out of yellow cedar wood, and has painted it with an acrylic paint.

The Salmon has always been regarded as the provider and life source of the West Coast Native People. The close relationship between salmon and human allows man to transform into salmon.

Joe carved this plaque out of pine wood, & has painted it with an acrylic paint. Joe credits William Good, Alfred Robertson and Francie Horne for teaching him to became a carver. Joe is also a fisherman and logger but mostly he spends all of his time carving. He has 3 children.

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Visit Joe Bob’s artwork at the House of Himwitsa Gallery in Tofino or at www.himwitsa.com