Kachinas
My various woodcarving subjects have utilized the Native American as they depict emotion and interest in our nations early history. Other woodcarving subjects have been presented in items with a natural theme like trees, leaves and those items that come from found wood. I find that bark, weathered wood like fence posts, burls and such add interesting aspects and show that each woodcarving is carved from, and not attached to a piece of wood.
Recently I have progressed into the Hopi art form of Katchinas. These figures when carved from cottonwood tree roots by Native Americans represent deities from the underworld of their religion. The cottonwood root represents the constant reliance on water from the earth to their crops in a harsh environment. I have not attempted to duplicate these religious objects but follow the concept into a more contemporary art piece. I utilize the wood from a piece of New Mexico Cedar Fence Post to carve each Katchina.
Nov 29, 2009
Photos: 13
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