Kwakwee baker
Lives in West Vancouver British Columbia and is the proud father of four boys. Growing up in creative multicultural environments, :z:kwakwee. was exposed to culture, art and travel and never saw things in limited perceptions, allowing him a deep experience in artistic impressions. From the Asian Pacific to the Americas, he began documenting stories through drawing, paintings, photos, film, ethnography, and his own visual interpretations and partaking experiences. "My parents are the last of a dying breed, and it is because of their rare qualities and abilities that allowed me, and my art to be so unique."
History
On his fathers side, his grandfather was Coast Salish from the Kitsalino Stamus Skomish (Kitsalino) Tribe now members to the Squamish Nation. His is grandmother is Kwagiulth, from the Muskama'Dzawadanuik, that have blood ties to Tligit Hiadda and his mother is Celtic. Initiated into the Sacred Society of the 'Hamatsa' at age 8 in Alert Bay, :z:kwakwee. began a life long journey through the intricate complexity of the Potlatch System of the Wakashan speaking peoples. "To dance in the Potlatch is the biggest stage in the universe, It is because of our elders sacrifice and teachings, that allows me patience, understanding, forgiveness, and inspiration to my arts' foresight. And that paves the way for happiness and success for all our people."
Artistic
Kwakwee. has experience as a painter, carver, graphic designer, set designer, actor, animator, filmmaker, political cornerstone, and performer, to name a few of his many talents, and sells his work and abilities internationally. Some of his carving and concept mentors and apprenticeships have been with Beau Dick, Oscar Matilpi, Ned Matilpi, Tony Hunt, George Hunt, Richard Hunt, Henry Hunt, Tony Hunt Jr., Charles August Jo Mathias, David Knox Mungo, Peter Knox, Wade Baker, Tom Dukett, and his father- thee Frank Baker. Kwakwee. has also has a great passion for film and media of North American First Nation Arts- History-mythology and Entertainment Industry.
Inspiration
When asked what inspired him in his early childhood/teen years, :z:kwakwee. referenced "Conan the Barbarian" comic books, "Heavy Metal Magazine", Playboy", and "Rambo". Playboy? I ask. Laughing, Kwakwee replies "Believe it or not, I liked the stories. They taught me a lot about production and are more visual".
Kwakwee always dreamed of working in the movies, as his mother got him into thinking of stunt school, and later he stared in the lead role in his senior high school play. :z:kwakwee. had great success as an actor and filmmaker, and has worked throughout Canada.
:z:kwakwee. started his film career in the early 90s as an actor for First Nations Acting & Associates (now closed), doing "Ford Truck" and "Starbucks" commercials, frequent placings in "The Outer Limits" and "The X-Files" - got him a big break in "Walt Disney- Davie Croket", where he was an Indian that got shot by another Indian. "Go figure!" he replies.
Kwakwee always dreamed of working in the movies, as his mother got him into thinking of stunt school, and later he stared in the lead role in his senior high school play. :z:kwakwee. had great success as an actor and filmmaker, and has worked throughout Canada.
:z:kwakwee. started his film career in the early 90s as an actor for First Nations Acting & Associates (now closed), doing "Ford Truck" and "Starbucks" commercials, frequent placings in "The Outer Limits" and "The X-Files" - got him a big break in "Walt Disney- Davie Croket", where he was an Indian that got shot by another Indian. "Go figure!" he replies.
Film
After dabbling in business management and school teaching, he registered himself into Vancouver Art School and Capalino University Indigenous Independent Film Program, where he won awards for his school productions of "Ashamed Society," and "Dead Gound", both winning best documentary in the North Shore Film Festival. Later "10.10. The Warrior Story" won an action achievement award honors from the Squamish Nation. Upon graduation Kwakwee opened his own independent film production company Culture Performance Film, that did well, with the assistance from friends and colleagues, producing shorts film and documentary.