Ray Sim

Ray Sim is a member of the Musqueam Salish Nation of Vancouver, BC. He also has close family ties to the Gitksan through his grandfather, who is from the Gitanmaax Band. His first exposure to Northwest Coast Art came at age 11, when he attended art classes taught by Ron Hamilton. He has received two years formal training from 1992 to 1994, first with Vernon Stephens, taking the introductory carving course and then the advanced carving course with Ken Mowatt at the Kitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Art in Hazelton. In 2001, he participated in an Advanced Design Workshop offered by Robert Davidson. He feels that all of his experiences with the many Northwest Coast art and artists have been very inspirational as they continue to enrich his life. His work is varied. His woodcarving includes plaques, spoons, masks, boxes and bowls. He also paints, designs dance shawls and builds and paints drums. He has taught art at the Haahuupayuk School and the Friendship Centre as well as various schools in Port Alberni. He has lived in Port Alberni for 40 years and has been adopted by a Nuu-chah-nulth family. Ray is an artist dedicated to his work, and he is continually striving to further his understanding of Northwest coast art.