Woodworkers of the Salish Sea: Out of the Woods

A breathtaking art book profiles twenty-five wood carvers, sculptors, and artisans who draw inspiration from the natural beauty of the Salish Sea. Out of the Woods is a stunning display of skill, creativity, and the enormous depth of artistic talent along the Salish Sea. Featuring exquisite photography of the artists in their studios, and full-colour images of their impressive array of works, this book showcases a symbiotic relationship between natural environment and creative energy, particularly in the realm of woodworking.

The Salish Sea and its surroundings inspire artists working in many mediums, but there is no greater representation of this symbiosis than in the work of these featured woodworkers. Whether it be a pile of driftwood on a rock-strewn beach resembling the bleached bones of some ancient creature, the old growth of the lush coastal rain forests, or the winds that blow across the water like a life-affirming force, the natural beauty of this region serves as a wellspring of inspiration.

Among the twenty-five dynamic artists profiled is Pheobe Dunbar, a carver who searches for hidden treasures among logging waste to create one-of-a-kind bowls and vessels. Charles Elliott, a member of the T'sartlip First Nation, is a world-renowned carver and tireless advocate for the recognition of Coast Salish art. Mike Randall is a west coast modernist who creates furniture and lighting that is minimal in size but large on impact. Carey Newman, influenced by his Kwakwaka'wakw master carver father and his mentor Bill Reid, takes a contemporary approach to his work, yet always yields to traditional ways, rules, and values.

Although the featured woodworkers have diverse backgrounds and practices, they all place importance on sustainability, preservation of wild places, and respect for natural materials. This shared ethos is a unifying thread that runs through their individual artistic journeys and the collective body of work presented in Out of the Woods.

Through exquisite photography and full-colour images, readers are invited to immerse themselves in the studio spaces and creative processes of these talented individuals. The book serves as a stunning testament to the power of nature to inspire and the skilled hands that translate that inspiration into tangible works of art.

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