Sun, wind, bird, bear, whale are part of the oneiric memory of Joseph Charette. A Metis originally from Ontario, he grew up with the spirit of the land in his heart. The power of his carvings comes from his free spirit and strong-willed nature.
Joseph lived with the Haida in northern BC for 15 years, sharing their culture and learning aboriginal artwork techniques.
His early work was in wood and included paddles and reliefs. During his stay in northern BC, Joseph came in touch with the
essence of nature.
As a fisherman, he had intimate encounters with whales, walruses, seals and many other sea creatures.
He learned to respect and love the sea.
He was also a hunter and a lumberjack and
had intimate encounters with deer, black bears, eagles and many other different animals
that populate northern BC. During his stay in the northern latitudes, he looked beyond each creature
to capture the essence of its soul. Many years later, he was able to imbue his carvings with this deep knowledge.
Joseph has carved many different animals in soapstone: ravens (he was given a Haida name that means "Precious Raven"), bears, hummingbirds. When he does his
soapstone carvings, the spirit of the model is mixed with his own and magically migrate to stone.
His first desire to carve came when he visited Europe and the Middle East, where he was
overwhelmed by the works of Egyptian and Renaissance masters, and especially by Michelangelo’s
sculptures.
During his visit, Joseph captured and assimilated the incredible power that Michelangelo was able
to transmit and even though he did not yet carve at that time, it all remained in his heart and mind,
emerging many years later.
Whale, bear, bird, wind, sun, may be merely a concept for many,
but for Joseph they are a dynamic part of his dream and of his life.
