#nativeindianart

I am having trouble deciding if I want to add more paint to this mask, or let the wood grain show.

For me, this is the most interesting part of carving; when the sculpting is complete, and almost ready to paint. At this stage, I can clearly see the finished piece in my mind’s eye.

Orcas are one of the most intelligent sea creatures, they have strong family groups (pods) and are known to mate for life.

Recently I started doing repousse again, combining it with hand engraving. I set it aside for a while, because I just had too many things on the go.

In an ancient Kwakwaka'wakw story, a chief’s son went in search of supernatural power. He crossed 10 mountains & found a hidden mountain lake. While bathing, his body was covered by Hummingbirds. He emerged from the water to find that he had supernatural power. - Hummingbird necklace, gold, diamonds, & abalone shell.

Long ago, the people were starving so K·!ā’lamin went hunting mountain goats to feed the village. He met Merciful Bear & was taken to the underground village of the mountain goats. He was given a supernatural gift & became a great hunter. But there was one taboo, which he broke, & he was transformed into a mountain goat.