Joseph Becker "Tsetscultun"

I spent the first 15 years of my life in Steveston which is a fishing community in Richmond, BC. I moved home to Musqueam and immediately became interested in carving.

My introduction to wood carving was to spend many hours just watching carvers; how they cut, painted and mounted their work.

I began to actually carve in the early 60’s, making small Totem Poles and Plaques. The forms carved were a combination of Musqueam and North West Coast styles.

Only recently have I dedicated more time on trying to promote a Musqueam and Coast Salish style of artwork; as this is a more acceptable type of artwork in today's world. 

Coast Salish art is more marketable as the public becomes more educated in the different cultures of the Aboriginal community in BC.

More recently I have started working in glass, implementing all Musqueam and Coast Salish style. I have had limited success, as this is due to spending more time doing art, rather than marketing.

Presently I am teaching a small group of Musqueam Band members sandblasting on glass, and will move onto wood and stone soon.

Lisa Becker

I was born in Vancouver, BC and I have lived in Musqueam all of my life.

I am a daughter of artist, Joe Becker.  I have always enjoyed drawing and did art classes in high school. 

In April 2007 I was in a class that did sandblasting.  We learned to sandblast on glass, wood and stone.

Also, we learned to do Coast Salish native designs.  I have continued to sandblast after the course, mostly on glassware with great success. 

We have been at different venues such as Pow Wows, craft fairs and conferences.  We have also been to Canoe Journey, NAIG and have been very successful and hope to continue this success into the future.

Joel Becker

I was born in Vancouver, BC and raised on the Musqueam Indian Reserve. 

My father is artist, Joe Becker.  I have recently taken an interest in Coast Salish art. 

Now I am apprenticing for my father.  I enjoy carving and am very eager to learn more.