Hjalmer Wenstob

Hjalmer Wenstob is an interdisciplinary Nuu-chah-nulth artist from the Tla-O-Qui-Aht First Nations specializing in sculpture and carving. He was raised in Barkley Sound, in Huu-ay-aht First Nations territory, where his understanding and desire of pursuing both his traditional Nuu-chah-nulth and contemporary art practices began. 

Hjalmer speaks of three dialects of his work; contemporary, traditional, and community-based. Through his contemporary dialect, Hjalmer completed both an undergraduate and master's degree at the University of Victoria, exploring the relationships between cultures and art, and the balance between traditional and contemporary. His work is at times highly political, and uses humour and irony to pose difficult questions of respect, reconciliation and environmental issues.

Hjalmer also creates cultural objects, and artworks for his community for dances and celebrations, which is how he initially got into carving. His final dialect of work involves community projects, where he brings together youth and community members to co-create carvings and artworks. He currently lives in Ucluelet, BC where he and his family own and operate the Cedar House Gallery.