Ray Sim

• Coast Salish

Ray Sim is a member of the Musqueam Salish Nation of Vancouver, BC. He also has close family ties to the Gitksan through his grandfather, who is from the Gitanmaax Band. His first exposure to Northwest Coast Art came at age 11, when he attended art classes taught by Ron Hamilton. He has received two years formal training from 1992 to 1994, first with Vernon Stephens, taking the introductory carving course and then the advanced carving course with Ken Mowatt at the Kitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Art in Hazelton. He feels his time spent at ‘Ksan learning from these instructors has been an invaluable experience.
In 2001, Ray participated in an Advanced Design Workshop offered by Robert Davidson. Ray says that this has been a very enriching educational experience, and that what he has learned in these workshops will help to elevate his work to come to a higher level of accomplishment. He feels that all of his experiences with the many Northwest Coast art and artists have been very inspirational as they continue to enrich his life.
He has taught art at the Haahuupayuk School and the Friendship Centre as well as various schools in Port Alberni. He has lived in Port Alberni for 40 years and has been adopted by a Nuu-chah-nulth family. Ray is an artist dedicated to his work, and he is continually striving to further his understanding of Northwest coast art.