This a class is for folks of all ages (14+). Rick will weave a mixture of storytelling and and carving together in an inspring course. You'll learn some of the Haida and other West Coast Native legends while learning to carve a mask in the traditional Haida Style. You'll also be using the traditional tools - adzes and bent (or crooked knives) while carving in alder or cedar (we'll source the wood nearer the time of the class).
Rick (Rick is of Haida descent) will tell some of the West Coast Native Legends about Bears, Ravens and Mountain Goats and cover the various shapes and forms that make up this art form. Rick will share his thoughts on their origins for the forms and how they can be put together to form a piece of art.
Carving a Haida Style Mask
This Haida style Bear Mask (12" high, 8" deep, and 8"wide) that features traditional copper eyebrows and copper eyes. The teeth are opercula replicas (cast in denture ceramic so as not to deplete the resource). Opercula are a form of mother of pearl secreted by sea snails. The hair is Black Bear fur from a local taxidermist.
Working from cedar blanks that have been pre-shaped by Rick you'll use traditional curved (hooked) knives and long knives to carve the details. Rick will supply the the knives but if you have your own knives or small adzes we encourage you to bring them along.
For those that are more advanced or faster Rick will show them how to add more detail and hollow out the back. We will then polish and attach the copper eyebrows and eyes. Cowry shells may also be used for the teeth if one wishes otherwise we will carve the teeth. Participants are encouraged to use taxidermist Black Bear scraps for the hair. We will be using lacquer sanding sealer and acrylic paints to finish off the mask.
The materials charge includes the Cedar blanks, and decorative materials. If you choose to use Rick's carving tools there will be a small resharpening fee that will be collected in class.
Class size: 10
Cost: $325
Materials Charge: $50
