As an artist and who I am as a Nuu-chah-nulth person, I am always within my work. It is said that an artist statement should speak in the artist’s absence, but after I put myself into my work I must put myself into my statement.

My name is Hjalmer Wenstob, and my traditional Nuu-chah-nulth name is Tlehpik. I am from the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations (Tofino, B.C), as well as of Norwegian and English ancestry.

In my work, I have been creating art that makes a balance between the dynamic relationship of traditional West Coast First Nation art, and that of contemporary art, and I am discovering a place where my art can transform, and reform. My work has been to shed light on preconceived notions of First Nation art and to create a balance between traditional art and art of now. Some of the huge influences on my work include identity, environment, stereotypes, reconciliation, and urban spaces.

I am now in my final year of my Masters of Visual Arts, at the University of Victoria, with a specific focus on sculpture and installation, while also teaching first year sculpture and TAing.