Dempsey Bob is a distinguished Tahltan and Tlingit artist of the Wolf Clan. His highly expressive works acknowledge the lineage to which they are indebted—in many cases telling the stories of his ancestors—while incorporating an expansive knowledge of sculptural practices worldwide. By blending traditional narratives with contemporary influences, he re-imagines convention with highly animated creations. His distinctive masks, bentwood boxes, and sculptures (both large scale and small) are striking in their distinguishing hallmarks: highly refined surfaces, voluptuousness of form, expressive shifts in proportion, and a unique approach to figural groups.
Dempsey Bob: SalmonSeptember 6th - October 11th, 2024
Installation View
Dempsey Bob: SalmonSeptember 6th - October 11th, 2024
Installation View
Dempsey Bob: SalmonSeptember 6th - October 11th, 2024
Installation View
Dempsey Bob: SalmonSeptember 6th - October 11th, 2024
Dempsey Bob
Salmon People
2022
Yellow cedar, acrylic
24" x 15" x 4"
Dempsey Bob
The Salmon's Gift
2023
Yellow cedar and acrylic
26" x 13 1/2" x 4"
Dempsey Bob
Salmon Egg (Blue)
2023
Yellow cedars acrylic paint
23" Diameter
Dempsey Bob
Black Fish Chasing Salmon
2023
Yellow cedar, acrylic paint
24" Diameter
Featured Artists
Dempsey Bob
Dempsey Bob
Dempsey Bob is a distinguished Tahltan and Tlingit artist of the Wolf Clan. Born in 1948, he began carving in 1969 under the tutelage of Freda Diesing who was his earliest mentor and teacher. At once a traditionalist and vanguard, Dempsey Bob’s sculptures blend traditional narratives and iconography with contemporary influences. His dynamic sculptures re-imagine convention with highly animated sculptures that acknowledge the lineage to which they are indebted while incorporating an expansive view and understanding of sculpture.