This month we have the privilege of learning about Sam Barr, who is a Samish tribal citizen and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer. While Sam grew up on Lopez Island, he has lived off and on Guemes Island throughout his life. “I have 5 generations of family on Guemes since contact (the initial encounter between cultures that were previously unaware of each other). And in pre-contact times, though somewhat unrecorded, thousands of years of family history. My granny Jacqueline Haddon-Bohn and great-grandfather Pete Bohn have been on Guemes for a while.”
Sam’s art is pretty traditional. He enjoys looking at historic examples of Coast Salish art and material culture and then trying to achieve the same themes in his work. He typically does wood relief carvings, some sculpting, and painting. He considers himself young in his art journey but he’s a quick study and natural talent abounds. He’s passionate about ecological sciences, immersion in nature, and traditional Coast Salish culture and loves finding ways the combine all those things! “Historical pieces inspire me as far as artistic elements go. But for spiritual inspiration, motivation and drive, my mentors inspire me. Bill Julian Bailey and Brian Perry have played a huge role in encouraging me to stick with art, and to do art in a personal and authentic way.”
I first met Sam when he was working on a joint project led by artist Sarah Folden. He felt honored to be part of a team creating a mural to be installed at the Orcas Island Ferry Landing. It’s a magnificent illustration of the beauty that surrounds us.
If you are interested in buying some of Sam’s art, it’s for sale on his Instagram account where he posts most of his art. He also sometimes sells through his friend’s store, Dry Dock Goods.
This month we have the privilege of learning about Sam Barr, who is a Samish tribal citizen and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer. While Sam grew up on Lopez Island, he has lived off and on Guemes Island throughout his life. “I have 5 generations of family on Guemes since contact (the initial encounter between cultures that were previously unaware of each other). And in pre-contact times, though somewhat unrecorded, thousands of years of family history. My granny Jacqueline Haddon-Bohn and great-grandfather Pete Bohn have been on Guemes for a while.”
Sam’s art is pretty traditional. He enjoys looking at historic examples of Coast Salish art and material culture and then trying to achieve the same themes in his work. He typically does wood relief carvings, some sculpting, and painting. He considers himself young in his art journey but he’s a quick study and natural talent abounds. He’s passionate about ecological sciences, immersion in nature, and traditional Coast Salish culture and loves finding ways the combine all those things! “Historical pieces inspire me as far as artistic elements go. But for spiritual inspiration, motivation and drive, my mentors inspire me. Bill Julian Bailey and Brian Perry have played a huge role in encouraging me to stick with art, and to do art in a personal and authentic way.”
I first met Sam when he was working on a joint project led by artist Sarah Folden. He felt honored to be part of a team creating a mural to be installed at the Orcas Island Ferry Landing. It’s a magnificent illustration of the beauty that surrounds us.
If you are interested in buying some of Sam’s art, it’s for sale on his Instagram account where he posts most of his art. He also sometimes sells through his friend’s store, Dry Dock Goods.
SAM BARR, Basket
SAM BARR, Orcas Island Ferry Landing Mural
SAM BARR, Wrapped Arrowhead
SAM BARR, Canoe
Find more examples of his work here!