JUSTIN RIVARD
Heritage
- Cree
Justin Rivard was born in Nanaimo, British Columbia
in 1964 and exposed to the Coast Salish culture from
an early age. With his father, who at the time was
Executive Director of the Native Brotherhood of BC,
Justin travelled throughout the native communities
on the West Coast of BC.
He began carving at the age of 21 under the tutelage
of Ray Dumont. In order for Justin to develop a
style of his own, he studied the culture and art of
numerous native bands and researched his own roots.
Fascinated by the differences in these cultures,
Justin does not favour one style over the other as
he feels each offers their own unique quality,
stories and history.
Justin feels it is important to constantly research
traditional basics, as well as to challenge himself
with new techniques. Some of the new techniques
include pieces that incorporate semi-precious
stones. While he works in gold and silver, some of
his finer pieces are a combination of both.