Tim Paul

Tim Paul is a master carver from Esperanza Inlet, BC, born in 1950. He is a member of the Hesquiaht tribe from the Nuu-Chah-Nulth first nation. 

He began carving at the age of 11. Tim attended Indian Residential School where he lost much of his ability to speak his indigenous language fluently. Many of his carvings are created to honor the themes of language and story in recognition of the significance of language and oral stories to his people.

In 1975 he began carving at the Arts of the Raven Studio in Victoria BC, under the direction of Ben Andrews and John Livingston. In 1977 he became assistant carver to renowned master carver Richard Hunt at Thunderbird Park at the Royal British Columbia Museum. In 1985 Seven years later, when Richard stepped down, Tim Paul became chief carver at Thunderbird Park. Tim accepted many commissions during his time at Thunderbird Park, and his work can be seen worldwide.

In 1992 he left to oversee an indigenous education program for the Port Alberni school board. He currently lives and works in Port Alberni.