He was known for his indigenous-style work and as a teacher of Northwest Coast art, in particular as a key contributor to reviving the 'Ksan style.

[5] He was professionally active since his first gallery showing in 1966, working in both carving and two-dimensional formats.

[5] In 1967, he took a leave of absence from his then-employment for a steel-construction company, in order to move beyond what he describes as making "curios"[4] and pursue art education full-time.

[4] He has taught classes at many universities and schools in Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska, notably the Gitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Indian Art ('Ksan),[2] where he influenced artists such as Walter Harris.

In the early 1990s he published the bi-monthly Tenas Wawa newsletter in Poulsbo, Washington.