Native engraver video

[Tomyboy]

Frank Paulson is one of the more prolific First Nation jewelers i greatly admire his work, most Native artists of the north west coast are work in several differnt mediums from carving to painting to casting in bronze.

This video just has Frank talking a little about the biz and his outlook on the First Nation art scene, just thought
it might be interesting to you folks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enR-WAPlLhU


Also heres a link to one of the gallery's i sell to, just to give some idea of the skill of the native artists on the coast.

the gold section http://www.lattimergallery.com/gallery.php?cat=9

the silver section http://www.lattimergallery.com/gallery.php?cat=10

 

[McAhron]

Cool video,thanks!

 

[jimzim75]

Hi Tomy,
Wow, your a Haida. Lucky you. I always want to do some in that
style but never did because I thought only the first nation artist really had
the right to do so. Such a rich heritage with artist working today to
advance it. I saw some of Franks work in a gallery for first nation artist in
London, Ontario. This was I think about 12 years ago. I knew then
that he was doing something special.

Have you talk to Frank? Is he helping you with your work?
I don't think you going to have to work to hard to promote you work
with the war canoe on the back of every Canadian $20.00 dollar bill.
I would tell you good luck with your engraving but I don't think you need
the extra luck. Talk to you later,
Jim

 

[Tomyboy]

Actually i'm Tlingit they held the most territory before colonization of the coast and were fierce raiders
known as the giants who would raid from Alaska to California for thousands of years.
The Haida, who were the second largest territory holders on the coast lived mainly on the island of Haida Gwaii becuase it could be fortified on all sides.

Bill Reid is the main reason for brining the Haida style to the forefront but the two stlyes are identical and bolth tribes used to raid eachother mainly for genetic reasons but would often kidnap the carvers and treat them like royalty that would dine with the chief.

Theres a hundred differnt styles other than Haida on the coast some i like a lot more than what i do, but wont step on anyones living doing it.

Never met Frank Paulson although it would be interesting to talk shop.

As for it being easy to market and make a living, let alone become know... every native artist ive met who don't have a "name" makes probably 50cents an hour lol compared to a professional engraver making 50 usd. an hour. Its mainly the gallery's adding 100percent to the wholesale price on a guys work, cut the price in half when you see the stuff in a gallery on the coast here,thats what the artist got. Its still better than selling by consignment. But not anywhere as good as selling to private collectors where i sell 75ish percent of the retail price to be fair.

 

[jimzim75]

Hi Tomy,
So, what your saying is you make about as much as the rest of do. Only
the shop owner make good money.

It sounds as though your established with a good size shop?
Your located in BC. I've always thought adding some Diamonds
into the Motif would be a interest idea. From what I've seen your
style, it looks similar to the bigger carving on the long houses.
There are usually pretty colourful, so I would think Rubies would be
a natural compliment to the designs. I would say you have a lot
ideas to explore.

Talk to you later,