CULTURAL GROUP:
Coast Salish

BORN:
November 14, 1945

BIRTHPLACE:
Sardis, BC

Gilbert Pat's family crest is Sun. He is primarily a jewellery carver, and is self-taught. He began carving in 1976. Gilbert often makes his own carving tools, a skill taught to him by artist Lloyd Wadhams. Interestingly, Gilbert worked for many years as a fisherman and carpenter before he turned to art as a career. Although he is of Coast Salish descent, Gilbert moved to Alert Bay in 1966. He likes to work with silver and 14-karat gold.