BC People: First Nations Master Carver Sanford Williams, Yuquot, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Sanford Williams has made it his life’s work to create art that echoes the past of the First Nations folk of British Columbia. Born and raised on the west coast of Vancouver Island in the remote village of Yuquot, also known as Friendly Cove, Sanford Williams was inspired by his relatives, notably his uncle, the late Chief Dominic Andrew.

BC People: First Nations Master Carver Sanford Williams, Yuquot, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Sanford Williams plaque displays in the lobby of Strathcona Park Lodge on Vancouver Island. The plaque depicts a human transforming into a wolf and killer whale, and was custom made with the Strathcona Park Lodge logo as the eye (top centre).

Once described as “the real deal”, Sanford still carves authentic pieces from his remote, beachfront shop using handmade materials, and he is also accessible from his off-season home in Hope on the BC mainland. Though his art has been found in dozens of galleries around British Columbia, Sanford Williams is an artist for the people, and loves meeting the public to carve custom-made pieces for them.

BC People: First Nations Master Carver Sanford Williams, Yuquot, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

There are two sides to this sculpture. One side shows the live raven and the other side shows the spirit.

I want to maintain the beauty and authenticity of traditional West Coast native art, because it’s more than just my work— it’s my way of life.

By Marlana Williams
Sanford Williams Marketing & Sales

More Information
Website: www.sanfordwilliams.com

Photo Credit
All photos by Marlana Williams

Yuquot (Friendly Cove)
To get to Yuquot, view the Schedule of Day Cruises to Friendly Cove.

BC People: First Nations Master Carver Sanford Williams, Yuquot, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Sanford Williams’ masks used in a variety of dance pieces from Karen Jamieson Dance Company.