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"Phill has joined other luminaries of the artistic and creative world whose work has been recreated for the NAAA shows, like William Reid, Robert Davidson, May Louise Campbell, and Alex Janvier. It is fitting company for one who shows so much promise." - John Bell, Founder and President of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation.
Phill Ashbee was born in Ontario, Canada of Cree, French and Irish descent. He moved with his family to Vancouver Island, British Columbia where his father pursued the aboriginal sport of lacrosse.
As a child, Phill felt an intense connection to the inner spirits which lie deep within aboriginal art. This powerful feeling stayed with him and in search of his true identity, he received a vision about himself as an artist. The development of his art has been a discovery of his rich cultural heritage and is expressed today in his unique artistic style.
Phill develops a relationship with each piece of work he creates. "It's not just a one-sided process. The carving takes a part of me; who I am in that present moment. I, in return, offer the carving everything I am able to give it."
Artistic Achievements
Phill gained national acclaim through such pieces as "Transformation Man" which was chosen to adorn the set of the 1998 Aboriginal Achievement Awards Show. This sixteen foot mask can be seen in the lobby of the CBC Building in downtown Toronto.
His first public commission is now on display in his hometown of Nanaimo, British Columbia. Called "Salmon Coming Home", it consists of 130 various bronze castings of salmon, originally carved in wood. A large sun mask made of red cedar, bronze, copper, jade, abalone, and horse hair is in the center of the piece.
Phill has on several occasions designed the awards for the prestigious "Cadillac Van Isle 360" sail boat race around Vancouver Island.
Click here to download Phill Ashbee's Bio (PDF) |
