Carving dogs in Northwest Native style

[pallin]

After my first attempt at carving in the Pacific Northwest Native (Indian) style (see Haida Raven), I decided to try a design of my own. It will feature the heads of my two long-haired dachshunds with their common ancestor (a wolf) in the center. It is about 2 feet long, 12 inches tall, of poplar. The wolf head extends about 7 inches out the middle. The piece will be painted in traditional colors, then carved to expose the light colored wood as in the raven carving shown below:

dogs1.jpg

dogs2.jpg

raven 017.jpg

[Jrick]

Sounds interesting. I'm not familiar with the style. The raven is real nice.

[Nancy-G]

Fascinating. I can't wait to see this finished.

[AlArchie]

Very nicely designed and carried out, Pallin! That Wolf Dashound should be exceptionally impressive. I really like to see culturally based designs (Native American, Celt, Eastern, Baltic, etc) worked into carvings of all sorts.

Al

[Mark Dellinger]

Phil,
Have not seen anything like this before. Looks to be very cool. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

Safe Carving and God Bless,

Mark

[pallin]

The dogs/wolf carving is progressing. The wolf head is mortised into the back panel. I discovered it was much easier to work on the wolf head in a vise (most of my prior work was whittling and reliefs). I'll post more photos when I have my camera.

My wife & I have signed up for an Exploritas (Elderhostel) course on Kwagiutl (NW Native) design and carving in August at Campbell River, BC. Maybe by then I'll learn how to do this project.

This is one of the only forms of woodcarving where you paint the piece before the final carving.

[Bill]

Phil
I like what you have done, the Raven is great and I really like your design
with the Dogs. I too am a fan of the Native Art from the Pacific NW.
Be looking forward to seeing the finished product.
Bill

[pallin]

Thanks for your compliments. Perhaps I should clarify: the Raven carving in post #1 of this thread is by Harvey John, an artist in the Coast Salish area. My carving titled Haida Raven is shown in my photo gallery.

[Old Codger]

Great idea Phil...can't wait to see the finished carving... Campbell River, BC is a loooong way from Lake Isabella and alot cooler...especially in August! Ha!!! Better take your sweater at least! I too enjoy the Native Art from the Northwest. Enjoy your class and keep us posted on your future carvings.
Kenn

[pallin]

Here is a progress photo on the "Dogs in NW Native Style," mostly the shaping of the wolf head. I've had to plan ahead as to what areas will be painted black & red and then carved to expose the light wood (poplar).

dogs3.jpg