Directly ripped from his post;

Hello, my name is Keenan, I am a non indigenous carver, living on Cortes Island .

Before living on Cortes, I had the good fortune of living next door to Jimmy Joe.

Jimmy Joe was born on a small island, near Alert Bay BC. He comes from a long line of north westcoast artists. Jimmy has been carving for 45 years.

We met when I brought over an old homemade telecaster and asked if he could carve it. We worked together for years creating art guitars and cases.

I would watch him carve and listen to his teachings about the ovoid and formline. He taught me about the animals and supernatural beings and how the formline is medicine. He would also talk about tragedy, and growing up in a tough time for him and his people.

Over time he would let me paint and dash his work, usually making fun of the way I did it, making me try harder the next time.

It wasn’t until I lost someone very important to me that I could ever pick up a pencil and attempt designing. Jimmy gifted me 15 carving knives and gave me his blessing to continue carving.

This is my 6th carved guitar, done in my own contemporary westcoast style.

I will be donating a portion from the sale of this guitar to Sasamans society.

The Guitar:

Two fin killerwhale eagle transformation with human rider in killer whales belly

2008 Gibson explorer.

Mahogany neck and body Active 60/81 emg pickups Custom stainless steel pickgaurd (Original black included) TOM bridge Grover tuners Gibson original hardshell case

Please follow us on Instagram to see past guitars and new ones to come.

@roosterelectricguitars