Joe Peters Jr.

Northwest Coast Native Artist Joe Peters Jr from Kwakwaka'wakw Nation

Kwakwaka’wakw Nation

(1960 – 1994)

Born in 1960, Joe Peters Jr. was a Kwakwaka’wakw artist from Alert Bay. He was descended from a long line of accomplished dancers, singers, and artists. His great-grandparents, Jonathan and Mary Whonnock, were jailed for holding Potlatches during the period in which Potlatch ceremonies were banned. Joe attended his very first Potlatch with his grandmother, Lydia Whonnock.

Joe was partly self-taught, but trained with his father and grandfather in his early years. His first official teacher was Dwayne Simeon, who taught him the basics of mask carving and design. As his artistic style developed, Joe was strongly influenced by the work of Beau Dick and Russell Smith. He strived to perfect his craft while working with John Livingston and Tony Hunt in their Victoria workshop.

In 1994, tragically, Joe passed away too early at the young age of 34.

The artworks that Joe created during his lifetime included masks, rattles, bowls and model poles, all of which can be found in pubic and private collections across Europe, Mexico, and the United States.

Works by this Artist (Present + Past + Public)

Past Works

The artist’s Past Works at our Gallery have now sold; however, a custom order may be possible if the artist is available and accepting commissions.