Patrick Amos was born in 1957 on Nootka island into the Mowachaht Band, located on the western coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. The Mowachaht Band is part of the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation which encapsulates 14 tribes that occupy the majority of the western coast of Vancouver Island. Patrick first started his artistic endeavours in 1976 designing and creating limited edition prints that he sold to the Royal British Columbia Museum shop in Victoria, British Columbia. Three years later he started an apprenticeship under the guidance of Tony Hunt Sr. to master his carving skills. Today the museum holds numerous paintings and prints of Patrick Amos’s art in their permanent collection.
Many Nuu-chah-nulth artists have influenced Patrick’s work. In his early teens, master artisan Henry Hunt was a catalyst for his inspiration and interest in art. He worked closely with Art Thompson and was greatly influenced by Joe David. In 1984 Patrick started an apprenticeship with Tim Paul, a chief carver at the Royal British Columbia Museum, where he learned and participated in the creation of traditional Northwest Coast art. Some of his accomplishments include but are not limited to:
Patrick Amos continues to create masterpieces and enjoys challenging projects. He has created numerous traditional ceremonial headdresses and artifacts and still continues to create traditional Nuu-chah-nulth masks, paintings, prints, sculptures, glass-works and totem poles. He continues to be actively engaged in his community by providing carving demonstrations throughout Port Alberni’s school district while teaching numerous art classes.