The gorgeous late summer sunshine serves as the perfect backdrop for the 2014 Carving on the Edge Festival running in Tofino until Sept. 14.
Presented by the Carving on the Edge Festival Society, the event draws in a dedicated group of carving artists, many of whom have been involved in the festival since its inception five years ago.
The festival showcases the works of artists, on exhibit at Shore Pier on the Water on Tofino’s Main Street.
It’s a beautiful location right on the water and the space is large enough to allow the artists to work on projects in carving demonstrations as visitors browse and ask questions.
Tseshaht artist Gordon Dick was to be a featured artist on Sept. 4 as he worked on a six-foot mask he called Wind Woman Cedar Mask. The plan was for Dick and some artist friends to put on a carving demonstration, but Dick was unexpectedly unable to attend.
Fortunately, Tla-o-qui-aht Master Carver Joe Martin was willing and able to step in and work on a yellow cedar bentwood box he had set aside for a few years.
Joe measured and sketched on the sides of the box as visitors asked him about his work and the other works that were on display.
The walls of the gallery were adorned with masks and sculptures of many artists, including Tim Paul and Joe David.
Martin said he was thinking of putting bas-relief carving on the outer sides of the box. “Maybe a wolf on one side and a crescent moon or sun on the other,” he said.
The main focus of the gallery was a pair of cedar dug-out canoes that Martin had for sale. One was a full-size 17’ canoe and the other, a smaller, child’s canoe.
The other event of the day was a carving demonstration at The Carving Shed on the beautiful Chesterman Beach.
Built by a much-loved local named Henry Nolla, the Carving Shed has served as a rustic yet beautiful place for artists to work together and learn from one another.
The property is now owned by Wickaninnish Inn who has retained the Carving Shed's rustic charm. They allow carvers to continue to work there. Hotel guests are permitted to drop by and observe the work.
Inside the shed are many wood carvings in various stages of completion. Against one wall is a memorial tribute to the late Henry Nolla.
Carver George Yearsly was at the shed that day demonstrating his method of carving cedar feathers. The self-taught artist says he’s been carving every day for 13 years and he remembers Nolla fondly.
“Henry carved the doors to the Wickaninnish Inn entry and he carved some of the poles on the property,” Yearsly said.
Nolla had many friends in Tofino, including renowned artist Roy Vickers. It was Nolla who carved the entrance to Vickers' Eagle Aerie Gallery in Tofino.
According to Yearsly, Sept. 16 marks the 10th year anniversary of Nolla’s death. His loss is still felt by the artists in the community.
The festival will continue on through the weekend with events that include a paddle trip in dugout canoes. There will also be a hands-on workshop where those who want to try their hand at carving can take part in a paddle-making workshop taught by Tla-o-qui-aht artist Carl Martin.
Carving demonstrations and exhibits will remain on display until Sept. 14.
Over the weekend there will be an event called An Evening to Remember that will feature master carvers, film and food.
The Festival is presented by the Carving on the Edge Society whose board members include Tim Paul, Marilyn Brewer, Joe David, Joe Martin, Gordon Dick, Christopher Roy, Ivana Kralievic and Norma Dryden.
Their goal is, in part, to make opportunities to teach the greater public about the history and artistic accomplishments of local artists while creating an opportunity for artistic exchange between artists. It also serves to showcase First Nations srt and culture.
The society relies on the generosity of the community and of individuals to carry out its work.
Those that have supported and nurtured the growth of the 2014 Caving on the Edge Festival include the District of Tofino, Tourism Tofino, Moss Development (Shore), Wickaninnish Inn, Sobo Restaurant, Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, Tofino Time Magazine, and Tofino Arts Council.
