Edward Joe

Country/Region: Northwest Coast (view other artists)

Tribe: Coast Salish

Edward Joe was born on Vancouver Island in 1969, where he currently lives. Strongly influenced by his Coast Salish heritage, he has also studied indigenous design from other areas of the Americas.

Upon graduating with a Provincial Diploma in 1992, Edward enrolled at the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, receiving a Diploma in Fine Arts in 1998.

Edward studied at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico completing an associate degree in Fine Art in 2001.

In 2004-5 Edward attended the Alberta College of Art and Design. His experience there was pivotal in his advancement as a designer in fine metals. His finely executed jewelery designs are diverse and original.

Artist's Statement

"Amongst the many tribes on the West Coast of British Columbia, I introduce you to the art of the Coast Salish people. After exploring many different media, including painting, printmaking, and carving, I have made jewellery making my current focus. The complexity of jewellery design enables me to challenge myself and grow as an artist. Working with silver and gold metals, the unique finish with stone inlay, or overlay of two metals, creates an illusion of depth. My art is not only influenced by Salish culture but also maintains influences from other Northwest Coastal tribes, as well as Southwestern techniques from Navajo and Hopi designed jewellery. I am also greatly inspired by Mexican silver jewellery from Taxco.

Salish art has a smooth flowing motion intended to create a calm mood. The stories, legends, and myths are depicted in many of my art pieces. Animals from the land, sea, and sky are designed in a bold manner. My goals are not only to revive the ancient Salish art forms, but also to break and redefine boundaries within them. With extensive research in museums and books, I have become passionate about learning the progression of the art of the Northwest Coast."

-- Edward Joe

Selected Exhibitions

2010 Giving Traditions, Alcheringa Gallery, Victoria, BC

2011 Spirits of the Sea, Alcheringa Gallery, Victoria, BC

2011 Chasing Form: New Directions in Repoussé, Alcheringa Gallery, Victoria, BC

VIEW SHORT BIOGRAPHY