Lee Valley - Cover Photos and Carver's Bench
Tuesday, December 22, 1998
Following Ray Pilon's, Lee Valley Cover photoshoot of 'Celtic Confusion' and 'Dall Sheep 1' in Ontario, the sculptures were shipped back to the Lee Valley Store in Vancouver, where I picked them up today. Ray included two large format transparencies, one of each sculpture, in gratitude for the use of my work. They are spectacular, beautifully lit and razor sharp. The man is a genius. (Ray Pilon's website)
While at the Lee Valley outlet, I noticed they had the brand new Veritas Carver's Bench on display. Perfect for my work in so many ways as I'd hoped, I bought it, the first one purchased in Western Canada, complete with a variety of clamps created specifically for the table. Heaven!
While at the Lee Valley outlet, I noticed they had the brand new Veritas Carver's Bench on display. Perfect for my work in so many ways as I'd hoped, I bought it, the first one purchased in Western Canada, complete with a variety of clamps created specifically for the table. Heaven!
Ivory Tips, Commissions and Tusks
Friday, December 18, 1998
Today was a busy day in Whitehorse.
At noon, I met at the Casa Loma for lunch with Sid McKeown and Earl Bennett to talk about ivory carving. Their interest in my work is no doubt based on the article that appeared in the Yukon News. We had an interesting discussion about ivory carving. It turns out that Earl Bennett is an ivory carver from way back. Many years ago he came to the Klondike and bought up great quantities of mammoth ivory. He worked as a carver for a while but gave it up in favour of becoming a banker. He has a friend, the son of the person who hired him many, many years ago, whose name is Bill Diment, who is an ivory carver today, and we discussed the possibility of travelling to see Bill in order to share our common interest.
Earl explained that PEG, or polyethylene glycol is useful as a preservative to stabilize ivory, if the tusk is submersed in the PEG when the ivory is still wet. The PEG replaces the water in the ivory and prevents the ivory from drying out.
Earl informed me that Erbach, a city in Germany, has been devoted to the art of ivory carving for hundreds of years. Also Dieppe, France, has quite a large population of ivory carvers.
Earl’s idea for a project is to cut a tusk up in cross section, carve it, and then stitch it back together again with sinew. That way the natural forces of the tusk won’t disintegrate the tusk while it’s being carved, and the tusk will be easier to work. I’m not sure about this idea, but it is something to consider.
Later in the day, after meetings of the Association of Yukon Communities, I spoke with the Mayor of Dawson City, Glen Everett, who wanted to commission me to create an ivory handle for the Mayor’s gavel (later changed to the 'Five Dawson Broaches'). Larry Bagnell, the administrator for the Association of Yukon Communities, commissioned me to carve a wolf in ivory (later changed to the 'Shooting of Dan McGrew').
After the meeting, at four, I visited Alex Seeley Jr, and purchased an ivory tusk from him for a thousand dollars in order to accomplish the commissions that I have received.
At noon, I met at the Casa Loma for lunch with Sid McKeown and Earl Bennett to talk about ivory carving. Their interest in my work is no doubt based on the article that appeared in the Yukon News. We had an interesting discussion about ivory carving. It turns out that Earl Bennett is an ivory carver from way back. Many years ago he came to the Klondike and bought up great quantities of mammoth ivory. He worked as a carver for a while but gave it up in favour of becoming a banker. He has a friend, the son of the person who hired him many, many years ago, whose name is Bill Diment, who is an ivory carver today, and we discussed the possibility of travelling to see Bill in order to share our common interest.
Earl explained that PEG, or polyethylene glycol is useful as a preservative to stabilize ivory, if the tusk is submersed in the PEG when the ivory is still wet. The PEG replaces the water in the ivory and prevents the ivory from drying out.
Earl informed me that Erbach, a city in Germany, has been devoted to the art of ivory carving for hundreds of years. Also Dieppe, France, has quite a large population of ivory carvers.
Earl’s idea for a project is to cut a tusk up in cross section, carve it, and then stitch it back together again with sinew. That way the natural forces of the tusk won’t disintegrate the tusk while it’s being carved, and the tusk will be easier to work. I’m not sure about this idea, but it is something to consider.
Later in the day, after meetings of the Association of Yukon Communities, I spoke with the Mayor of Dawson City, Glen Everett, who wanted to commission me to create an ivory handle for the Mayor’s gavel (later changed to the 'Five Dawson Broaches'). Larry Bagnell, the administrator for the Association of Yukon Communities, commissioned me to carve a wolf in ivory (later changed to the 'Shooting of Dan McGrew').
After the meeting, at four, I visited Alex Seeley Jr, and purchased an ivory tusk from him for a thousand dollars in order to accomplish the commissions that I have received.
Yukon News Article Well Done
Wednesday, December 16, 1998
The Yukon News article came out today, and it looks fantastic. It features a picture of me standing with the mammoth tusk, and a picture of 'Duality'.
My Airport Display Case
Saturday, December 12, 1998
I had an idea today for the inside of my rented display case at the Whitehorse International Airport. I’ve noticed that the carvings tend to disappear visually, because the viewer can look through the clear case into the busy airport waiting area behind. I’m going to create a black screen that will cover the back two sides of the Plexiglas case in order to highlight the sculpture within.
First Feature Interview
Friday, December 11, 1998
As a result of the press release that Terry Prince sent to the Yukon News regarding the Millennium Tusk Project that I am planning, I was interviewed today by Erling Fris Bastaad, a writer from the Yukon News. I enjoyed speaking with Erling and look forward to reading the article when it is run in the paper.
Soapstone 'Surprised'
Wednesday, December 09, 1998
I finished the soapstone grizzly bear sculpture today, a total of 76 hours. The final name will be 'Surprised.' Though the result is beautiful, I do not like working in the medium, which I find excessively dusty. Initial work on the sculpture outside in a breeze covered the neighbour's yard in a fine snow white dusting of soapstone. When I moved indoors, taking over a small unused greenhouse, the dust became so thick that it was difficult at times to see the sculpture beneath my grinder. I think I'll stick to antler, horn and ivory!
Northern Encounters '99 Invite
Tuesday, December 08, 1998
I received a call today from Bob Kussy, a sculptor from the Northwest Territories whom I met this summer at the Great Northern Arts Festival. He says that there is a new arts festival being planned for Toronto in July of 1999. It will be a circumpolar arts festival, called Northern Encounters '99. It is to be organized by a company called Sound Streams. The contact is Lawrence Cherney. I contacted Lawrence, as per Bob’s instructions, and he said the festival is a bi-annual event. It includes visual art, dance, theatre and music from across the circumpolar north. The emphasis is on northern, native and Inuit art. I have been invited to attend.
New Veritas Carver's Bench
Tuesday, December 01, 1998
Checked out the Lee Valley Catalogue today. They have come up with a brand new ‘carver’s bench,’ called the Veritas Carver’s Bench, and it has its very own hold-down clamps. The bench looks perfect for my uses, and I will consider purchasing one over the next month.
Celtic Confusion Cover
Thursday, November 12, 1998
Today I signed the Letter of Agreement with Lee Valley Tools for the photography and use of 'Celtic Confusion' on the cover of their January catalogue.
Organization and Marketing with Terry Prince
Thursday, October 22, 1998
Had my first meeting today with Terry Prince from Elk Grove, California. Terry is a professional organizer who has agreed to help with my marketing efforts.
Inuvik Arts Festival, 1998
Monday, July 20, 1998
Things have been going well so far at the Inuvik Arts Festival. One of the sales people said that there has been a serious inquiry by a person who buys each year for someone else who can’t make it. The person in question saw the piece on the internet and asked for it specifically. Wow, it seems like the advertising and web stuff works!
It has been good to get away from Faro. I have met so many interesting people here:
A photographer from Vancouver, Peter Timmermans, is up doing a shoot on the Dempster for Canada Post and their highway series of stamps. We had some wonderful chats, and he carved a few things with my tools. (The festival asks artists to share their skills with other artists and the general public in attendance.)
A painter from Ireland, Cathy Henderson, over to sketch the Festival and its artists, did a watercolour of me at work on 'Candle Ice'.
A retired art teacher from New York, who I chatted with at length on the boat trip from Inuvik to the Arctic Ocean; both he and Peter Timmermans suggested “going where the money is,” with the carvings if they don’t sell here.
I have especially enjoyed working with other carvers, including Maureen Morris and Bob Kussy, with whom I shared a carving tent.
The organizers and volunteers and all the rest have been super, not to mention the people attending the Festival. What a blast, just talking with people as they tour the Festival. It has certainly been worth it.
It has been good to get away from Faro. I have met so many interesting people here:
A photographer from Vancouver, Peter Timmermans, is up doing a shoot on the Dempster for Canada Post and their highway series of stamps. We had some wonderful chats, and he carved a few things with my tools. (The festival asks artists to share their skills with other artists and the general public in attendance.)
A painter from Ireland, Cathy Henderson, over to sketch the Festival and its artists, did a watercolour of me at work on 'Candle Ice'.
A retired art teacher from New York, who I chatted with at length on the boat trip from Inuvik to the Arctic Ocean; both he and Peter Timmermans suggested “going where the money is,” with the carvings if they don’t sell here.
I have especially enjoyed working with other carvers, including Maureen Morris and Bob Kussy, with whom I shared a carving tent.
The organizers and volunteers and all the rest have been super, not to mention the people attending the Festival. What a blast, just talking with people as they tour the Festival. It has certainly been worth it.
Arrival at Inuvik Arts Festival
Thursday, July 16, 1998
I had a really nice shower after setting up the camp, and feel great, lying here in Inuvik with a gentle breeze blowing through the tent. The Arts Festival looks good, the organizers look harassed. It should be a really good time. I have a bit more on Celtic Confusion to do, but it could be set up in the display area if necessary.
Desolate Despite Purchase
Thursday, July 02, 1998
Today I feel desolate. The NSK arrived, and good timing it was indeed. I am ready for it now, but lack any zeal. The demons I must face are my own. No matter who I am, where I go, or who I am with, this will be the case.
Tool Upgrade
Monday, June 15, 1998
I am considering buying a new grinding tool called the Electer GX made by NSK. It is an ultra-precision micromotor grinder. It is quite expensive, working out to about $1246.55, but it promises to be a much better tool for detail work in my carving.
Next Steps on the Lee Valley Cover
Friday, June 12, 1998
I heard today again from Ray Pilon, from Lee Valley Tools. He has received the go-ahead on the catalogue cover. We discussed shipping two sculptures to his studio in Ottawa, so that he can take the photographs for the January-March 1999 cover.
Energy in Relationships
Sunday, June 07, 1998
So much boils down to energy in relationships. When we draw energy solely from another, we become dependent and fearful of losing that source. Our job is to seek our energy from within, from the Universe, so that our interactions are not based on consumption but sharing, a subtle but important difference which allows freedom and mutual respect.
Cover Art Potential
Wednesday, May 20, 1998
Ray Pilon, photographer from the Lee Valley Catalogue, likes the images I sent of my carvings, and he will get back to me on their use for one of the covers of an upcoming catalogue.
Artist and Medium Work Together to Create Art
Thursday, May 14, 1998
I have decided at least on some of the antlers, if not all, that I’m going to trust my inner vision and abandon the use of images by others, save in the execution of commissioned works.
I spent about two hours last night beginning to design what was going to be a carving called 'Running Wolf' on one of the antlers that I received from Patrick Maloney. It will now be called 'Triangles' (later, 'Candle Ice') and will consist of a series of triangle shapes that interlock and inter-lap.
I feel much freer and happier, at peace now with the design process. The design now can reflect the architecture of the antler rather than placing that innate architecture at the mercy of an external image.
Rather than the artist and the medium being subject to an externally generated image, artist and medium can now work together on each other to create art.
I spent about two hours last night beginning to design what was going to be a carving called 'Running Wolf' on one of the antlers that I received from Patrick Maloney. It will now be called 'Triangles' (later, 'Candle Ice') and will consist of a series of triangle shapes that interlock and inter-lap.
I feel much freer and happier, at peace now with the design process. The design now can reflect the architecture of the antler rather than placing that innate architecture at the mercy of an external image.
Rather than the artist and the medium being subject to an externally generated image, artist and medium can now work together on each other to create art.
First Request for Use of Carving Image
Tuesday, May 05, 1998
Received a call today from the Sculpture Forum Magazine, regarding the use of Robin Armour's photograph of 'Duality' in a pamphlet that they are creating to advertize their magazine. I agreed to its use.
Timeless Natural Moment
Sunday, April 26, 1998
A couple of days ago Miranda and I were stopped on our walk, drawn into a small forest along the trail overlooking the Pelly Valley, in the thrall of a timeless natural moment filled with the wonderful scent of last fall's leafy detritus, gentle rain from low hanging clouds and the first refrains from an unknown songbird returned from a winter away.
In these moments timelessness is reality and our journey through the temporal is not; the stillness and reflection engendered enable us to shed temporal natures and drink from eternity. We remember who we are and why we are here; we regain a sense of focus and the energy to carry on.
In these moments timelessness is reality and our journey through the temporal is not; the stillness and reflection engendered enable us to shed temporal natures and drink from eternity. We remember who we are and why we are here; we regain a sense of focus and the energy to carry on.
Multitasking Afresh
Thursday, March 05, 1998
I have been analyzing my production times and patterns, and it is readily apparent that there are plenty of down times where thinking of the next cut or resting to gain a fresh perspective is necessary.
These times could easily be filled doing other carvings.
The question becomes how many to begin? Five per month? I can work away at different stages on multiple carvings, thus modifying the yucky and time-consuming stages with productive finishing work on other pieces.
These times could easily be filled doing other carvings.
The question becomes how many to begin? Five per month? I can work away at different stages on multiple carvings, thus modifying the yucky and time-consuming stages with productive finishing work on other pieces.
Glimpse of Success
Tuesday, February 24, 1998
I caught a glimpse today of future carving success. I got the sense that I will receive recognition and remuneration sufficient to support my family.
The hand I drew today on the tusk was a little breakthrough, bringing the 'Millennium Tusk' a tiny bit nearer to completion.
The hand I drew today on the tusk was a little breakthrough, bringing the 'Millennium Tusk' a tiny bit nearer to completion.
Pondering Creative Procrastination
Thursday, February 12, 1998
I am at the stage with ‘Tribute to Michio’ where it is necessary to keep the will focused. I think that one of my time inefficiencies with regard to carving comes at this point. Is it possible to speed up the thinking and gestation period when little carving is done? Probably, but I am uncertain if this is possible when the subject matter is new to me. When the subject matter has been tackled before it may be easier to progress through this stage, but I have yet to determine if this is as true with my carving as it is with painting.
Working Through the Rough Stages
Wednesday, February 11, 1998
I’m feeling a little disoriented/disheartened today. I need to focus and filter out distractions, of which there seem to be many.
Part of my discouragement seems to be due to the stage of the carving I’m at right now, the carving being ‘A Tribute to Michio’. It is at the ‘yucky’ stage, there are still many problems to resolve and lots of rough edges.
Keep working, keep working, keep working!
Part of my discouragement seems to be due to the stage of the carving I’m at right now, the carving being ‘A Tribute to Michio’. It is at the ‘yucky’ stage, there are still many problems to resolve and lots of rough edges.
Keep working, keep working, keep working!
The More You Do the Better You Get
Monday, February 09, 1998
Jerry Kortello is certainly correct. The more you do something, the better you get at it. The bee that I am painting on either side of the tail of Pat McCracken’s ultralight is a good example. The second bee looks much better in my opinion. I was a little freer with it and went with the internal map created during the painting of the first bee, as opposed to following the model slavishly.
Eagle Takes Flight
Friday, January 30, 1998
A rather delightful observation today regarding the eagle carving, 'Eagle On Arrowhead'. It seems that everyone who has seen it so far has wanted to fly it, to swing it on an imaginary arc through the air as an eagle would soar. What a lovely compliment to the lifelike nature of the carving, and a relief for me, from the fear of tackiness so associated with eagle art.
A Perfect Day
Sunday, January 25, 1998
My daughter Ceilidh and I went sledding over by the power plant today. Ceilidh made some tomato soup which we drank after a few runs. We appreciated the view over the bluff, watched ravens play in the biting wind, felt cheeks and chins freeze, and sledded some more. The dogs had a great time too, chasing us down the hill and following the odd rabbit scent trails.
I spoke with Ceilidh about appreciating each day, each sunset and shared a few stories about sunsets with my Dad on our property near Echo Bay, Ontario.
We watched the sunset together on the bluff overlooking the Pelly Valley, then descended the hill on our last sled of the day. On the walk back to the car, I pulled Ceilidh on my sled while she pulled her own.
A perfect day.
I spoke with Ceilidh about appreciating each day, each sunset and shared a few stories about sunsets with my Dad on our property near Echo Bay, Ontario.
We watched the sunset together on the bluff overlooking the Pelly Valley, then descended the hill on our last sled of the day. On the walk back to the car, I pulled Ceilidh on my sled while she pulled her own.
A perfect day.
Endings With Integrity
Friday, January 23, 1998
I was laid off today from Anvil Range - signed my own letter, in fact.
The last several days have been turbulent, to say the very least. I have done what I thought was right by the employees every step of the way. I have coped with deceit, fraud, unfair play, back-biting and power struggles, and I have done it with honesty, dignity and strength, without compromising my integrity or spinning out of control.
Time to close the door on this chapter, brief as it was, and dive back into the carving again. It has been good to face my demons and survive; very good. I’m very much looking forward to the next chapter of my life.
The last several days have been turbulent, to say the very least. I have done what I thought was right by the employees every step of the way. I have coped with deceit, fraud, unfair play, back-biting and power struggles, and I have done it with honesty, dignity and strength, without compromising my integrity or spinning out of control.
Time to close the door on this chapter, brief as it was, and dive back into the carving again. It has been good to face my demons and survive; very good. I’m very much looking forward to the next chapter of my life.
Keeping Head Down - Taking Positions
Wednesday, January 21, 1998
These last few days have been trying. Having one’s integrity questioned is not a pleasant experience; however, it seems to go with the job. George Miller, a union executive, gave me a real compliment today, saying that he held me in high regard. I took some encouragement from his words, especially during these difficult times.
I have been keeping a lower profile and see now what it means to do so. When you keep your head down, no one can shoot at you. When you say nothing, no one can criticize or fight back. Lightning strikes the highest point, and the same seems to be true with group energy. I have often in the past popped up as the focus of this energy. It has surely been a valuable lesson here on how not to do that.
I have also learned about positions - rather than engaging in confrontational situations, offer one’s position and then attempt to work towards finding points of agreement. If agreement cannot be achieved, at least the parties can retain a sense of integrity.
I have been keeping a lower profile and see now what it means to do so. When you keep your head down, no one can shoot at you. When you say nothing, no one can criticize or fight back. Lightning strikes the highest point, and the same seems to be true with group energy. I have often in the past popped up as the focus of this energy. It has surely been a valuable lesson here on how not to do that.
I have also learned about positions - rather than engaging in confrontational situations, offer one’s position and then attempt to work towards finding points of agreement. If agreement cannot be achieved, at least the parties can retain a sense of integrity.
Return to Art, Some Reflections
Sunday, January 11, 1998
Work, sleep, work. The job of Human Resources Manager is all-consuming. I have learned a great deal about the kind of people that become leaders, at least here at the mine, and something of how to work with them.
I hadn’t carved since the beginning of October until last weekend, and it certainly feels good to get back into it again. Posting a work in progress update also felt good. I need to slide up to the mine today touch base with the president and certain supervisors regarding a union decision yesterday to reject the new hours. But after that I’d like to continue the eagle carving and post another work in progress update to keep the flow going.
It is highly probable the mine will close soon and we will all be out of work, so getting back into the swing of things with my art is probably wise.
I have learned much about industry, management, personnel matters and myself during this short time at the mine. My decisions and ideas have proven sound and I find that I derive satisfaction from an involvement at the upper levels of decision making. To be an actor rather than one of the acted-upon feels very empowering. The role seems consistent with my ability and disposition. The former Director of Personnel at the mine told me in a recent conversation that working under the present regime at the mine is probably the hardest it gets in personnel, so I'll take heart and enjoy what I’m doing while it lasts.
I hadn’t carved since the beginning of October until last weekend, and it certainly feels good to get back into it again. Posting a work in progress update also felt good. I need to slide up to the mine today touch base with the president and certain supervisors regarding a union decision yesterday to reject the new hours. But after that I’d like to continue the eagle carving and post another work in progress update to keep the flow going.
It is highly probable the mine will close soon and we will all be out of work, so getting back into the swing of things with my art is probably wise.
I have learned much about industry, management, personnel matters and myself during this short time at the mine. My decisions and ideas have proven sound and I find that I derive satisfaction from an involvement at the upper levels of decision making. To be an actor rather than one of the acted-upon feels very empowering. The role seems consistent with my ability and disposition. The former Director of Personnel at the mine told me in a recent conversation that working under the present regime at the mine is probably the hardest it gets in personnel, so I'll take heart and enjoy what I’m doing while it lasts.
