My story: where tradition meets dedication

Welcome to PNW Coast Salish Art. Discover the journey behind my unique art, inspired by rich Quinault heritage and a deep passion for creation. Each piece tells a story of dedication, the Canoe culture, and the spirit of the Coast Salish Art.

This is a Poem by Clarence Pickernell, Quinault/Chahallis song writer/artist/poet

My youngest son Liam , about 10 years ago, posing with my first mask(Raven). I have always done my best to keep the door for culture open in my kids life. I do not force culture on them. I let them chose their own path. 

A social media picture I took for fun. The caption read "she finally remembered me on Child Tax day" 

I have fun while creating and try to make that portrayable in my art

Me-tuux Gut's-salan (middle of the point). Mouth of the Quinault river

Sunset in front of our southern village in Quinault, Taholah. Our other village ,Queets is the norther most Quinault village 

My Quinault tribe, as well as HohRiver, Quileute & Makah are BigWater tribes, meaning we are ocean going people. 

"black wolf" hand carved medallion and abalone necklace 

I had an amazing experience helping Master Carver James DeLaCruze Jr (Quinault) resident of Skokomish, working in Nisqually on his totem projects -summer 2025

Bro James B doing work in the village of Nitnaht (Paddle to Elwha- Tribal Journeys 2025). We traveled to Canada two weeks early to do canoe repair, make paddles, and prepare for the journey. 

Artwork on Bro Dwayns dad's house. Nitnaht BC

Nitnaht Lake. BC

"Sun & Moon" drum I made for my daughter Iskqwelesa Splaqs Curley, who's name translates to "Sunshine" & "Where the moonlight touches the earth"

*Unfortunately Puppy liked how the drum tasted

"Raven and the Sky Chief" 20inch  mini cedar canoe with matching theme 30"x24" acrylic portrait