Who left the door open?

[whitecree]

I was wandering through the magazine website the other day, and finally noticed there was a forum associated with it. After 6 months of visiting the website, you'd think I'd notice these things sooner. Oh well.

I call myself Whitecree because my mother is of the Cree people from southern Manitoba. My dad is white, so put the two together and you get my internet name.

After a long hard struggle, I married a 1st nations woman from the northwest coast area of BC, and instantly fell in love with the artform. I started drawing and painting the west coast styles and reading a lot about the forms and stories associated. In 1993, my wife spearheaded a group of people to try to revive the ancient art of building dugout canoes, and this got me going on carving.

Aside from some well chosen words from some local Elders, I am entirely self-taught, and until recently, made all my own knives and adzes.

I carve mostly placks of various clan animals such as Blackfish (killer whale) Eagle, & Raven. I also like making spoons, and have made a few that came out rather odd, but still interesting to do. I've made a few masks, and am currently struggling to finish a Hamatsa (winter ceremonies) Raven mask. I've taken a swing at bowls, dugout canoe models and even a small model totem pole or two as well as making bent boxes. Once in awhile when my wife starts going "awwww..." at something she sees, I'll try my hand at caricatures and miniatures as well.

In short, I'll try anything.

So, before I bore you with a complete life's story, I'll leave you with this shot of 3 projects. Foremost is a Blackfish feast bowl , about the 3rd thing I tried to carve. Background is a Blackfish figurine, and both are sitting on a table I am currently painting in a Blackfish motif.

[Mottles]

Thumbs Up Beautiful Native American art form and I totally enjoyed reading your bio. Glad you joined us and looking forward to seeing more of your work.
Kathy

[AlArchie]

Wow! Nice stuff. You should corraborate with fishgap on this site and see what all you can come up with.

Impressive work!

Al

[squbrigg]

Thank you Whitecree, you have had a very interesting journey through life. Thank you for sharing it with us. I love your Blackfish bowl, a strong character and the shaped one in the background brings their energy and spirit alive!

Bob

[GILLY]

Hey I too am Cree, Plains Cree from Gordons First Nation here in Sask. We have some very talented carvers on the rez, and alot of good elders to share their knowledge. I was wondering what was behind your web name. Thanks for sharing.

[Callynne]

Glad you found us, Whitecree! Thanks for sharing your story and work with us. I enjoyed both!! Deborah