SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE’S 10th BIENNIAL

NORTHWEST COAST JURIED
ART SHOW & COMPETITION

Division Winner | Cape Fox Lodge Panel | Kenneth White

Kenneth White

  • Tlingit, Saanyaa Ḵwáan, Eagle, Teiḵweidí
  • Ketchikan, Alaska
  • Category: 2D & Relief Carving: Relief Carving
  • Western red cedar, acrylic paint

“When first creating the design, I only painted the black primary formline on the panel and then drew the rest of the design as I worked. During this time, I found that each viewer had a unique perspective on the art piece, so I decided to highlight these interactions and create a PNWC (Pacific Northwest Coast) bentwood box style formline design representing a human in mid-transformation. Since the design is of a human in mid-transformation, whoever would be viewing the artwork would ultimately decide. I wanted to create an interactive art piece largely influenced by the traditional belief that ‘the Tlingit people believed there was little difference between humans and animals except for form.’” – Kenneth White

“An ambitious carving featuring old-style, thick formlines making a powerful statement. Design is well balanced and good control of positive and negative spaces. Carving looks very clean and the painted formline nicely executed. Adzed texture enhances overall appearance, which is powerful and impressive.” – Juror Statement