CULTURAL GROUP:
Tsimshian

BORN:
October, 1960

BIRTHPLACE:
Prince Rupert, BC

Bill's Native name is WeLaaxumYout. His artistry is largely self-taught, learning from books about new techniques, such as three-dimensional metal forming called repoussé. However, he did attend the Gitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Indian Art in 1981. He also enjoys painting, watercolors, sketches, silk screening, and airbrushing. Highlights of his career include carving a 180-foot totem pole, the tallest in the world, and creating an official launch logo for NASA in 1996. In May of 2010, Bill carved a talking stick for past American president, Bill Clinton, when he was in town giving a lecture. In 2012, Bill completed two large Tsimshian Story totem poles for the Canadian International School in Hong Kong. Bill acquired many legends and ways of the past from his Granny Helin.