Colin Cunningham

When I started to write this section I thought of some of the requirements of being an artist. My artist friends run the gamut from photografic , highly detailed and realistic art that is generally a copy of something real. (a tree, a person etc.) to abstract, less technical more intuitive (from inside the head) art. Some switch seamlessly from one style to the other and in fact will mix these extremes to produce great art.

My art leans toward the technical. The basic Northwest Indigenous Art that is the recurring theme in my art, is hundreds of years old and is highly structured in its application and at the same time completely abstract in detail.

There are only 4 basic shapes (ovoid, “U” shapes, “S” shapes, and “L” shapes) these are used to form eyes, fins, Etc., or just decoration and are generally surrounded by an outline. (perhaps a whale)

The space between the outline and the eyes, fin and decorative forms, creates a 5th shape that is a random shape called a Form line. This Form line is peculiar to and part of, the art found in British Columbia and Alaska. Simplifying things further (ha) is the fact that only 4 basic colors are normally used (black, red, blue/green and the background color.)

There are also rules governing how and where these colors must or may be used. Confusing things more is the fact that Northwest art is actually a two-dimensional art that is wrapped around things to represent three D art. (eg. Totem poles)

My job, as an artist, is to create artistic objects within the framework of an existing style without copying existing work. It helps that the 4 shapes can be twisted and mutilated to fit almost any space available to them.

The technical part comes into play with my carving. I have the option, in most carving situations, of carving one or more levels into the wood, carving only the outline or leaving the surface alone. By choosing correctly I can influence the shading and highlights. I can make a section stand out or recede. I can make it obvious or implied by using only a partial outline. Once these simple choices have been made, I have the option of painting all, some, or none of the piece

Then, if I’m lucky, a pleasing piece of art will emerge.

In the ‘Process’ section, I will walk you through the steps involved in making an art piece. In this instance, a free form relief carving.