Kwagiulth carving, stories on display

The craft and stories behind First Nations carving will be on display as Kwagiulth carvers Jason and Trevor Hunt demonstrate techniques of traditional carving and painting Saturday, Oct. 6, and Sunday, Oct. 7, at Friday Harbor's Arctic Raven Gallery, 130 First St.

The Hunts come from a long ling of Vancouver Island Kwagiulth carvers, learning the craft from their father, Stan Hunt, who learned from his father, Henry Hunt, and grandfather, the acclaimed Mungo Martin, who is credited with saving Kwagiulth from vanishing in the early part of the 20th century. Their uncles, Tony and Richard Hunt, are among today's leading Kwagiulth artists.

Arctic Raven is presenting the two-day demonstration by Jason and Trevor Hunt in conjunction with Artstock and Savor the San Juans, a month-long celebration of the San Juan Islands art, culture and cuisine.

As part of a family effort to carry on and to preserve Northwest Coast Kwagiulth art, Jason and Trevor Hunt will share the meaning and legends that give rise to the figures they incorporate in their work. Jason Hunt will carve an eagle in transformation on a paddle of yellow cedar, while Trevor Hunt will paint a Killerwhale Moon mask made by his father and will have his own newly completed Salmon Moon mask on display as well.

Other than the occasional use of a power tool to rough out a block of wood from a cedar log, the Hunts rely almost exclusively on traditional knives and adzes to complete their carvings, as did their elders.

For info, Arctic Raven Gallery, 378-3433, www.articravengallery.com

 

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