The Squamish Nation’s Siobhan Joseph has been an artist for as long as she can remember.

Her first teacher was her father, Delmar Joseph Sr., a master of formline carving. As a teen, she drew inspiration from others too—learning the Coast Salish tradition from renowned carvers like Aaron Nelson-Moody, Ray Natraoro, and Susan Point.

“It kind of just stuck and I formed my own style. Art has always been therapeutic for me,” Siobhan explained.

Soon, paintbrushes, wool, and bark joined the chisels and knives in her toolkit. In 2014, she took on art as a career, launching SJ Fine Art & Design. 

In the years since then, Siobhan has studied fine arts at both the University of Manitoba and Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Her portfolio of published work is impressive, with murals on Main Street in Vancouver and at Brackendale Elementary School, an art installation at the Squamish Public Library, and more.

In her commissions, Siobhan honours her Nation, her community, and her ancestors.

“I like bringing Squamish legends to life,” she explained. “If I’m doing murals in certain areas, research that area’s history and create art that shares its story.”

Asked if she has any advice for other Indigenous artists who want to pursue their craft as a career, she said:

“It’s tough. Put yourself out there and give yourself and your artwork a chance to be noticed. Keep making the effort.”

Siobhan is based in the Squamish Valley. To order a customized piece of her artwork, email siobhanjoseph@hotmail.com.