The studio
Gordon Dick operates his studio and carving shelter at Ahtsik Native Art Gallery and encourages visitors to stop in. Dick delights in sharing traditional teachings, cultural skills, and educating the public about his community of Tseshaht First Nation, as well as the regional signatures of Nuu-chah-nulth art.
His studio is designed as an interactive space, inviting visitors to observe as he engages in the process of developing traditional Northwest Coast art. By imparting his knowledge, it is his hope that visitors cultivate a deeper awareness of his ancestors’ legacies.
Values
Simplicity
Inspired by nature, Dick’s designs encompass soft, flowing ovals that are balanced between hard, geometric lines. These bold, broad shapes captivate the imagination and commandeer a room.
Locally Sourced
Gordon Dick sources the majority of his materials from his backyard, in Tseshaht First Nation’s traditional territory.
Collaborative
It all starts with a conversation. Dick brings his decades of expertise and vision to the table, guiding you through the process of finding the right piece of art for your space.
Ancestral
All of Dick’s creations are lovingly hand crafted using ancient techniques passed down from his ancestors.
Material
Most of the material that Gordon Dick uses is sourced locally from the Alberni Valley within Tseshaht traditional territory.
He has been gathering material for over 30 years, growing his collection of red cedar, cypress, alder and yew wood.
Although it’s becoming more difficult to source, red cedar is among is favourite materials to work with. Its strength, durability and resistance to rot allows his art to stand the test of time so it can be handed down through the generations.
Human consumption and growth in the world market of raw export material put pressure on unsustainable logging practices.
- Gordon Dick
British Columbia is one of the last places in the industrialized world to continue logging high productivity old-growth on a commercial scale. Because of these unsustainable logging practices, First Nation artists have fewer and fewer trees available to produce ancient large-scale art forms, such as totem poles.
This has heightened Dick’s respect and appreciation for the material he works with, allowing the wood to inform his approach to each artistic endeavour.
Commissions
Gordon Dick is available for commissions and open to collaborative projects. Please send us an email detailing your budget, timeline and concept vision.
It is helpful to include inspiration photos, desired material, colours and dimensions, along with where you are located. We look forward to hearing from you!