This is an intermediate studio course on three-dimensional woodcarving and design with a focus on story poles. A story pole is a way to tell a historic or momentous occurrence in Coast Salish traditions. A story pole may be significant to the tribe, the area, or in honor of the subject of the story. Students will choose a story of their own to depict and using examples of Coast Salish story poles and carvings, choose elements and imagery that depicts the story they wish to tell.

The course will go over the history and creation of story poles, the elements involved, and how to successfully complete an artistic vision in wood. Students will draft their designs in a sketchbook based on research of their chosen design elements. Students may take inspiration from traditional Coast Salish designs, contemporary woodworking, and/or personal interests. This design will be refined with the assistance of faculty in order to best reflect the student's intentions and the necessary techniques in order to successfully carve it. Once the design is created, the students will learn how to transfer the design to their chosen wood, turning the two-dimensional designs into wood carvings.

Throughout the term, the students will be familiarized with different carving tools and techniques to complete their project. This includes presentations, lectures, and demos which will be supplemented by resources on Canvas each week. Along with working on their story pole in class, students will complete two written assignments reflecting on their learning and their final project. Class time is also supplemented by open studio hours. At the middle and end of the term, students will participate in a critique to go over what is successful in their work, challenges they faced while creating, and receive feedback from peers about their work.

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:

4 - Intermediate Wood Carving