About

Born in 1972 in Prince Rupert, BC, Jesse began his interest in Haida Art as a boy, influenced strongly by his Haida-Cree heritage. Growing up on the water, travelling up and down the coast while commercial fishing with his grandfather on Haida Gwaii, the mystical richness of the land unfolded to his creative and spiritual senses. He developed a love for the many unique islands and was instilled with an intense respect for the ocean. Jesse is continually in awe of the ecological richness and how these elements have woven themselves into the cultural canvas of the Haida People. Jesse explored the works of artists: Bill Reid, Robert Davidson and Don Yeomans; upon his graduation from school his family presented him with a repousse bracelet by Don Yeomans and this gift sparked the desire to learn to carve. To start his training, Jesse apprenticed with Don Yeomans in Vancouver. Later, he moved to Hazelton in Northwest BC to study with Philip Janze. Impressed by Philip's reputation as an excellent teacher, Jesse’s jewelry making skills developed immensely during his time with Phil. Currently, Jesse splits his time between living in his home village of Skidegate Haida Gwaii, and K'omoks on Vancouver Island. Jesse continues to breathe life into precious metals, creating museum quality pieces individualized by their boldness and depth.