EAGLE SONG - MASK

DARREN JOSEPH 

Darren Joseph is a Coast Salish Native from the Squamish Nation. Darren grew up in North Vancouver, British Columbia. His ancestral name is Shmoqwilum, which he received when he was 17 years old.
In 2003 Darren chose carving as a full time career. He has been guided and apprenticed with well-known carvers Klathe-Bi and Jordan Seward. In addition to his numerous masks, Darren worked on a totem pole projects and also on 5 ocean going canoe projects, one of which was for the Homalco First Nation.
In 2007 Darren assisted his Tsimshian colleague, Phil Gray, in completing sculptural works for Sonora Resorts on Sonora Island BC. In April 2009, two of Darren’s collector items were included at Inclusion Works Gala Auction at Canada Place, sponsored by Aboriginal Human Resource Council. In June 2009 The City of New Westminster sponsored Darren Joseph Arts to collaborate with a Mexican artist to produce “Ab Ovo-The Fertile Nest” which was unveiled at the 150th Anniversary of Public Art and can be seen at Hyack Square. Darren believes in giving back to the community and has participated in fundraisers for the Powell River Chamber of Commerce and Powell River & District United Way. Darren also donated 2 masks to the Bowen Island Arts Council and the Gallery @ Artisan Square for a silent auction with proceeds to support Families of Sisters in Spirit, a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the families of Missing and Murdered Aboriginal women and girls in 2015.
Darren Joseph has worked on special projects such as a Memorial Totem Pole for Klahoose in 2010 First Nation, a Welcome Figure for School District #47 at James Thompson elementary school in 2013, and produced a Raven sculpture of brushed aluminum for the City of North Vancouver in 2015. Most recently Darren co-lead a team of carvers to create 3 totem poles and 3 Welcome Figures representing the past, present and future for the Tla’Amin Nation in 2016.
Darren carves masks in red and yellow cedar as well as alder. 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.