Dempsey Bob facts for kids
Dempsey Bob, OC (born 1948) is a famous woodcarver and sculptor. He is from British Columbia, Canada. Dempsey Bob is a member of the Tahltan and Tlingit First Nations.
He was born in the Tahltan village of Telegraph Creek. This village is located on the Stikine River in northwestern British Columbia. He belongs to the Wolf clan.
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Dempsey Bob's Artistic Path
Dempsey Bob started carving in 1969. He learned from the Haida carver Freda Diesing in Prince Rupert. From 1972 to 1974, he studied at the Gitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Indian Art ('Ksan). This school is in Hazelton, B.C.. After studying, he taught there for many years.
In 2006, he helped create the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Arts. This school is in Terrace, B.C. Its goal is to continue Freda Diesing's teachings. It also helps guide new First Nation artists. Some of his students include Dale Campbell and Keith Wolfe Smarch.
His Achievements and Recognition
Dempsey Bob was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2013. This is a high honor in Canada. He received it for his carving work. He was also recognized for teaching new carvers. His dedication to preserving Tahltan-Tlingit culture was also honored. In 2014, he received an honorary degree from the University of British Columbia.
Where You Can See His Art
Dempsey Bob's artwork is in many important museums. You can find his pieces in the Canadian Museum of History. Other places include the Royal British Columbia Museum. The University of British Columbia's Museum of Anthropology also has his work.
His art is also at the Audain Art Museum. The Smithsonian Institution in the USA has his carvings. His work is even in the National Museum of Ethnology in Japan. He has created major pieces for the Vancouver Airport Authority. He also made art for the Owase Community Cultural Centre in Japan.
What He Creates
Dempsey Bob mainly carves with wood. However, he uses many different materials in his art. He carves bowls, masks, and totem poles. Most of his work is in the Tlingit style.
His art was first shown at the National Gallery of Canada in 1992. It was part of a special exhibition called Land Spirit Power. This was the first major show of contemporary First Nations art at the gallery. Since then, he has had many solo and group exhibitions. His art has been shown in Canada and around the world. Many public and private collections own his works.
His artwork often explores traditional West Coast First Nations stories. Frogs are one of his favorite subjects to carve.
Exhibitions
Dempsey Bob has had several solo art shows:
- 1989: Tahltan-Tlingit - Carver of the Wolf Clan, The Grace Gallery, Vancouver, BC
- 1993: Myth Maker and Transformer, Vancouver Centennial Museum, Vancouver, BC
- 2014: North, Equinox Gallery, Vancouver, BC
- 2017-2018: New Work, Equinox Gallery, Vancouver, BC
- 2022: Wolves: The Art of Dempsey Bob, Audain Art Museum, Whistler, BC
Awards and Special Recognitions
- Aboriginal Art Lifetime Achievement Awards, 2007
- Officer of the Order of Canada, 2013
- Honorary Degree from UBC, 2014
- Governor General's Awards in Visual and Media Arts Artistic Achievement Award, 2021
