Joe David facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joe David
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| Born | June 30, 1946 |
| Known for | carver, printmaker |
| Movement | Northwest Coast art |
Joe David was born on June 30, 1946. He is a talented artist from the Nuu-chah-nulth people. He is a member of the Tla-o-qui-aht Band. He was also formally adopted into the Haida people.
Joe David's art is part of the modern Northwest Coast art movement. He works closely with famous art experts like Bill Holm and Duane Pasco. His cousin, Ron Hamilton, is also an artist. Joe David also sings traditional Nuu-chah-nulth songs. He is very interested in shamanic traditions from his own culture and others.
Early Life and Learning About Art
Joe David was born in a village called Opitsaht. This village is on Meares Island, near Vancouver Island in Clayoquot Sound. His father, Hyacinth David, was an elder of the Clayoquot Nation. He taught Joe a lot about his cultural background.
As a child, Joe went to a mission boarding school. He would visit the school's chapel to find peace and quiet. He noticed that the carved altar in the chapel was like the artwork of his own people. It made him feel the same awe and respect.
Joe studied art in a program called Job Corps. He also went to art schools in San Marcos, Texas and Seattle. For a short time, he worked as a commercial artist. He even worked for a department store called Bon Marché in Seattle.
In 1969, Joe visited the Burke Museum. They had a collection of Northwest Native art. This collection was put together by Bill Holm. Joe was amazed by it. He said, "It was like, wow! This was not the academic, Mickey Mouse stuff. I was just blitzed. It was just between the eyes, like man, I've got to not only study and learn this, but I've got to master it." After this, he decided to focus on Northwest Coast Native art. In 1971, he met Duane Pasco. Duane encouraged Joe to explore two-dimensional art and new styles of Northwest Coast art.
Joe David's Artwork
Joe David was one of the first artists to use a printing method called serigraphy. This method uses screens to create prints with traditional Northwest Coast Native designs. He also works with many other materials. He is well-known for carving large totem poles.
In a 1981 film called "Spirit of the Mask," Joe talked about how much he loves wood and the tools he uses. He is interested in many different art forms. This includes his own Native traditions and modern North American culture. He also explores other Native American traditions. For example, he takes part in a Sun Dance every year in the southwestern United States. He is also inspired by Maori art from New Zealand.
Joe believes that traditional Northwest Native cultures should not stay exactly the same. He says, "The fact is, there is always change and our people have always been comfortable with it." He wants his art to celebrate a living culture, not just the past.
Where You Can See His Art
Joe David's artwork is kept in important museums. You can find his pieces in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. His art is also part of the collection at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC.
