The 2015 Carving on the Edge festival is quickly gaining momentum and promises a full Labour Day long weekend of activities featuring first nation artists.
Organizer Norma Dryden says the big events begin tonight, Friday, Sept. 4, with a presentation by Tla-o-qui-aht’s Marika Swan.
In Transformation: The Evolution of West Coast Cultural Expression is a slide show based on Marika’s studies at UBC’s Museum of Anthropology. Marika Swan is a contemporary artist with some of her works on display at the Carving Festival. Her presentation will focus on her view on transforming traditions and teachings to contemporary art.
Later in the evening, Hesquiaht master carver Tim Paul will share the teachings of the Thunderbird through stories song and dance. He will have on display four ceremonial pieces at the festival.
On Saturday evening Kwakiutl artists from northern Vancouver Island will present their Origin stories through a variety of media. The show is by Kevin Cranmer and his family.
Following his presentation Barb Cranmer, an award-winning director, will present her documentary film Potlatch.
All events are taking place at the Sore Pier Events Building at 368 Main Street in Tofino, down the hill at the water front.
The festival will run to Sept. 10.
Tseshaht artist Gord Dick is working on a carved wooden panel from start to finish at the festival.
Tla-o-qui-aht canoe maker Carl Martin has been teaching people how to make full-sized canoe paddles from yew wood. He had on display a 40-year-old yew wood paddle that he made as a young man.
Martin said he started carving with his father and uncle at the age of 19 and the paddle was one of his first projects. He used the paddle many times and, he said, it finally broke.
But yew wood paddles are not disposable. Carl vows to fix the crack in his paddle and make it as good as new.
There are carved pieces of art on display at the venue as well as carving classes and various carving and weaving demonstrations.
The shows and demonstrations are free to attend. Carving lessons require registration and a fee. For more information visit www.carvingedgefestival.com
