JESSE BAKER

Jesse Baker was born in 1966 and began carving at age 12, when his older brother, Nathan, gave him a carving knife. He now works in house construction for the Capilano Reserve in North Vancouver, but he carves in his spare time because it is his passion. Jesse grew up on the Capilano Reserve, which is part of the Squamish Nation. His grandfather, Chief Simon Baker (Khot-La-Cha), and his father, Chief Ronald Baker, are both prominent figures in the community. Master carver Beau Dick was his biggest influence when carving; he helped Beau with a totem pole in Stanley Park. Other influential artists were William Watts and Marvin Baker.