Description
Participants will learn how to block out, shape and carve a Nuu-Chah-Nulth style mask with Port Gamble S’Klallam carver Brian Perry. The Nuu-Chah-Nulth peoples are indigenous to the Pacific North West in the costal regions of areas known today as Canada and Vancouver Island. They have a rich tradition of woodwork which includes canoes, totem poles, and masks such as the one you will explore with Brian in this 4 day workshop. You will learn to cover laying out the design, prepping the block and shaping the final character. We will go over stool maintenance and sharpening techniques that Brian has found works best in his practice.
While all move at their own paces depending on experience, everyone should leave with a mask ready for paint.
About the Instructor
Brian Perry is a S’Klallam artist practicing his traditionally inspired works in both time-honored and contemporary ways and materials. Brian’s work includes everything from drums, rattles and masks to large carved relief panels, totem poles, metal sculptures and Northwest coast canoes.
Brian has studied with some of the most respected names in Pacific Northwest Native style art, and his expertise and talent have been recognized through commissions from entities throughout the region. For 20 years Brian’s art was done as time allowed while working for Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, but in 2014 he took the leap and has made art his full time pursuit.
Brian lives on the north end of the Kitsap Peninsula, surrounded and inspired by the waters of the Salish Sea.
Learn More
www.northwestcoastalart.com
Materials List
You will need to bring:
An elbow adze
An assortment of crooked knives
A good hand block plane
A good quality ruler – the instructor like the 17” clear plastic rulers.
A compass or at least a circle template
Tracing paper
Provided by instructors:
Wooden dowels and sandpaper for sharpening tools
Alder rounds for masks
Stabilo pencils, which work great on wet fresh alder.