Wilf J. Sampson
Wilf Sampson was born in Hazelton, British Columbia, Canada in 1957. He is a member of the Gitksan Nation, which inhabits the Northern coast of the province.
Wilf has been designing and carving Northwest Coast Native art since 1981. He initially taught himself by looking through books and by observing the works of other artists. Motivated by the beauty of the art, as well as the sense of accomplishment, Wilf completed the beginners and advanced carving and design courses at the Gitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Art and Design in Hazelton in 1984. While at the school, Wilf honed his talents and skills under master artists such as Walter Harris, Earl Muldoe, Ken Mowatt and Vernon Stevens. Wilf obtained additional inspiration and guidance from realist artist and Native art enthusiast, Ron Burleigh.
Wilf Sampson takes great pride in continuing the traditions of Northwest Coast Native art, exemplified in his carvings and paintings. All of his works are original designs, many of which invoke contemporary as well as traditional designs and motifs. He specializes in carved and painted decorative masks as well as original paintings.
Many of his works are in private collections and galleries around the world, including Japan, the United States and several countries in Europe. Wilf plans to pursue his career as an artist by enrolling in further studies of art and by continuing to carve, paint and design.
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Raven Spoon
Wilf J. Sampson
$925.00 CADWood, Acrylic paint
Spoons and ladles were traditionally made from either cedar wood or the horn of a mountain sheep, and their handles were carved with family crest images. Historically, these exquisitely sculptured objects were primarily created by people in Northern Nations, and were highly sought after by other nations. During potlatches [festive gatherings], cedar ladles decorated with the hosting family’s crests were used to serve food, while the elaborately carved mountain sheep spoons were distributed as gifts among the many guests.
Today, spoon and ladle productions are based on these traditional objects and are meant to be both objects of function and display. In addition to traditional mediums such as cedar wood, goat or mountain sheep horn, many modern-day spoons and ladles are constructed of gold, silver and pewter.
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Eagle, Wolf & Raven Bentwood Box
Wilf J. Sampson
$6,600.00 CADRed Cedar wood, Yellow Cedar wood, Operculum shell, Acrylic paint
Specific and unique to the Northwest Coast People is the bentwood or bent-corner box or container. A most outstanding item of the First Nations people, it is a made from one single plank of wood through a lengthy steaming process – a method strictly adapted by the coastal peoples.
The intelligent Eagle symbolizes status, power, peace and friendship, while the Raven is associated with Creation, Heroism, Transformation. The Wolf is a symbol of patience, individuality and protection.
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Eagle & Bear Bentwood Box
Wilf J. Sampson
$6,200.00 CADRed Cedar wood, Yellow Cedar wood, Acrylic paint
Specific and unique to the Northwest Coast People is the bentwood or bent-corner box or container. A most outstanding item of the First Nations people, it is a made from one single plank of wood through a lengthy steaming process – a method strictly adapted by the coastal peoples.
The intelligent Eagle symbolizes status, power, peace and friendship. The powerful, human-like Bear was referred to as ‘Elder Kinsmen’ and is associated with courage, strength, authority and learned humility.
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Eagle & Bear Bentwood Box
Wilf J. Sampson
$4,200.00 CADRed Cedar wood, Yellow Cedar wood, Acrylic paint
Specific and unique to the Northwest Coast People is the bentwood or bent-corner box or container. A most outstanding item of the First Nations people, it is a made from one single plank of wood through a lengthy steaming process – a method strictly adapted by the coastal peoples.
The intelligent Eagle symbolizes status, power, peace and friendship. The powerful, human-like Bear was referred to as ‘Elder Kinsmen’ and is associated with courage, strength, authority and learned humility.
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Chief Walking Stick
Wilf J. Sampson
$1,600.00 CADYellow Cedar wood, Abalone shell
Figures Eagle & Frog
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Hawk, Raven & Frog with Human Model Pole
Wilf J. Sampson
$6,600.00 CADYellow Cedar wood, Acrylic paint
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Man & Woman Dish
Wilf J. Sampson
$2,200.00 CADYellow Cedar wood, Abalone shell
A ceremonial dish, also known as a feast dish or potlatch dish, was a treasured heirloom which families brought out for great feasts as a gesture of hospitality and welcoming. Presently, many ceremonial dishes are carved in miniature form, meant for collectors who appreciate the historic and symbolic value behind each artwork. This aspect of the art is considered to be a contemporary turn that northwest coast native art has taken throughout the years.
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Bear Rattle
Wilf J. Sampson
$1,700.00 CADYellow Cedar wood, Abalone shell, Horse hair, Acrylic paint
