Although he is of Cree descent, Jay Brabant was brought up under the influence of the people of the northwest coast. He began carving seriously at the age of twelve under the tutelage of his father Gene Brabant. Together they traveled across the United
States and Canada visiting museums and studying old pieces. His main influences are his father and the Hunt family.
"I love the smell of cedar in the morning." At the age of 30 Jay has more experience than most carvers twice his age. His life
has been an immersion in the arts of the northwest coast. Jay is fluent in all the styles of the art form but prefers the stark drama of the Kwaguilth style. His work is known for its particularly clean execution.
"It is an honor to carve these
traditional pieces." Jay goes to great lengths to make his work functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. "The pieces come alive when they are danced."
Residing in British Columbia, Jay works at home and in the studio. He continues to learn the
art form, expanding his studies to the Bella Coola and Tlingit styles. He wishes to work towards larger projects.
