Salish Taught Artist
A Living Tradition in Wood and Line
Welcome to the world of Bert Peters, a renowned artist from the heart of the Lower Mainland, British Columbia. Here, ancient stories are given new life, and wood is transformed into a vessel of culture and spirit.
Bert's hands are guided by the knowledge of his ancestors, his vision sharpened by a lifetime of dedication to his craft. He is a master carver whose work ranges from monumental sculptures that command public spaces to intricate pieces that can be held in the palm of a hand.
Yet, his artistry doesn't stop at the edge of the carving knife. As a gifted draughtsman and graphic designer, Bert bridges the timeless principles of Salish formline with the clean, impactful language of modern design.
Traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary vision
From towering welcome poles and house posts to intricate ceremonial masks and personal treasures. Each piece transforms raw cedar into powerful expressions of story, identity, and spirit.
Stunning logos, brand identities, and custom illustrations built upon the powerful aesthetic of Salish art. Designs that carry the weight of ancestral strength with modern impact.
Commission original artwork that brings characters, creatures, and cultural symbols to life on paper. Each drawing captures the flow and energy that defines Bert's unique artistic vision.
Collaborate directly with Bert on architectural installations, corporate art, ceremonial pieces, or personal heirlooms. Every project begins with a conversation about your vision.
Breathing life into wood
The traditional art of Salish carving is a sacred trust - a conversation between the artist, the cedar, and the ancestors. For the Salish people, cedar is more than a material; it is a sacred relative, the "Tree of Life." Bert learned to listen to the wood, to understand its grain, and to feel the story waiting within each piece.
Towering welcome poles, house posts, and large-scale sculptures that become landmarks and sources of community pride.
Masks, talking sticks, rattles, and regalia - vital components of living culture intended for ceremony and celebration.
Carved doors, wall panels, fireplace mantels, and custom installations that transform spaces with Salish artistry.
Gallery-level pieces exploring traditional themes with contemporary sensibility, sought by collectors worldwide.
Intricately carved pendants, bracelets, presentation boxes, and plaques that serve as cherished heirlooms.
As a "Salish Taught" artist, Bert's education came not from formal institutions, but from a deeper, more intimate source: his community, his Elders, the stories passed down through generations, and the meticulous study of the ancestral masterpieces that came before him.
This path of learning has instilled in him an authentic voice and a profound connection to the materials and narratives that define his work. From a young age, Bert was drawn to the language of wood - learning to understand its grain and feel the story waiting within each piece.
Bert Peters is more than an artist; he is a culture bearer, a storyteller, and a bridge between worlds. His work is a living, breathing expression of Salish identity, proudly situated in the contemporary world.
Every project begins with a conversation. Whether you're envisioning a monumental sculpture, a meaningful gift, or a brand identity rooted in authentic Indigenous art, Bert works closely with clients to bring their vision to life.