"Nanasimgat" (Finished)

[Colin-Partridge]

Well finally finished the West Coast First Nations carving. For those of you that have not seen the previous posts in the WIP thread I will tell the story again here. Many years ago I was on the west coast at a chainsaw carving competition. I had the occasion to talk with a First Nations elder who loved what I was doing. We talked in depth about my love for native art and the teachings and the stories of the native people. I told him that I was really in love with native art but never did any because I was scared to do so because I didnt ever want to disrespect his people and their culture. I told him I would love to do native art but it had always been told to me that it was a no no. His words to me still ring loud in my ears because he was a very spiritual and learned man. He looked me right in the eye and put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Son, being native is not by blood but by calling, and if you have been called to carve using our style then let the great spirit be with you". I was touched by his words and now carving my passion "West Coast Style".
I digress the story of Nanisimgat is that he was a west coast first nations man who lived with his wife and family. One day his wife was washing clothes at the shoreline and the killer whales took her. She was to become the wife of the Chief of the Killer Whales. The native belief is that humans can transform into animals and back again. His wife in the killer whales jaw is not that she is being devoured by the whale but is being transformed. As legend has it that Nanisimgat aided by his friend the sea otter followed the kelp beds to seek out the whereabouts of his wife. After locating her he battled the Chief Killer Whale and won claiming his wife back. This is my interpretation of the story and what I was called upon to carve. The carving is made from one solid piece of bass wood about 9 inches long and 8 inches high. If I do the carving again I would definatly make it bigger. The entire carving was done with a knife and chisel and painted by hand. Thanks for looking any comments any time contructive in nature are always welcome. There are a dozen things I would do different if I did it again.
Colin

[Claude]

Nice work, Colin!

Claude

[Mark Dellinger]

Colin,

Very cool carving. Glad you received the blessing to pursue this.

Safe Carving and God Bless,

Mark

[BrandantR]

Great work Colin!!! The carving alone is wonderful, but when you know the story and meaning behind it, it becomes even better. Thanks for sharing.

[Dan Wegiel]

Hey Colin,
Thanks for the great story which compliments your fantastic carving, very well done. So happy for you that your passion has come to fruition.
Dan

[scooter]

Originally Posted by Colin-Partridge

...

I had the occasion to talk with a First Nations elder who loved what I was doing. We talked in depth about my love for native art and the teachings and the stories of the native people. I told him that I was really in love with native art but never did any because I was scared to do so because I didnt ever want to disrespect his people and their culture. I told him I would love to do native art but it had always been told to me that it was a no no.

...

Colin

From where I sit, working in this style is perfectly fine, so long as you don't represent your work as genuine, or native, or authentic, or copy a work and call it your own. Or sell it. I feel selling non-native-made PNW pieces falls into the no-no category. As long as you execute the piece with respect, and in the proper spirit, you're fine. One shouldn't need to seek an elder's blessing to carve in the PNW style. Does a musician need to seek an Austrian's permission to play a Mozart piece?

This is all my own opinion, and if any PNW native artist takes umbrage, I will certainly respect his/her viewpoint. Until then, I'm going to continue carving in the PNW style.

(Note: I DO NOT sell any PNW-style pieces that I carve -- they are strictly for my own enjoyment.)


S~

[tnartist05]

Out Standing carving and your painting brought it to life just right Colin!!!



Forrest

[Robert Cahill]

Been looking forward to seeing the finished carving and I am not disappointed. Very nice carving and painting. Thanks for sharing both the carving and story

[Bruce Bird]

Hi Colin
Good job. The politics of art eh.I do agree with what you have said about carving and selling something that you really should not.I live on the west coast and have since 1979.I am also part native but not west coast native. My work is in West Coast native galleries but my style is my own. I avoid carving west coast style because I do sell my work.
Thanks for being the person you are.
Bruce