Gordon Dick Studio

Harmony, respect and balance

"Our culture is always changing, always evolving"

These are the words of my grandmother Agnes. I learned traditional Nuu-chah-nulth teachings from her and my grandfather Alan. When I became a woodcarver I was taught about the material of wood and the behaviour of wood grain from my uncle Wayne, and I apprenticed under Hesquiaht/Nuu-chah-nulth Master Carver Tim Paul.  Over the years I've been researching the historical Nuu-chah-nulth collections in museums in Europe and North America, learning from artists of the past and adapting their ideas to my work. I have been developing my personal style within the Tseshaht/Nuu-chah-nulth art form full-time since 1995.  

Image

Artist Statement

I am a Tseshaht/Nuu-chah-nulth artist who grew up in Port Alberni, where I continue to live. I am a Master Carver, jewellery maker, designer and producer of large scale woodcarvings. 

I have a deep respect for nature and in my art I work towards striking a balance between influencing the material and having the material influence me. My art is shaped by my values which were taught to me as the values of my culture: To be connected to the environment, to value the language of nature and to pay attention to its teachings. We share our lives on the planet with other living creatures so the presence of animals and supernatural beings feature strongly in my work. We cannot know everything there is to know and there is a larger force that connects everything together.

Image
Image

Commissions

When I'm not creating art for my own sake, I'm working on a commission. If you have a project in mind contact me directly to see what we can work out. I create the following:

  • Indoor freestanding sculptures
  • Large scale outdoor sculptures
  • Totem poles
  • Public art
  • Wall-mounted reliefs ("panel" pieces)
  • Masks & Westerly Winds
  • Doors
  • Designs for glass, concrete and metal
  • Bronze sculptures
Image

Tours, Demonstrations & Speaking Engagements

My studio is a place where learning and curiosity come naturally. I have hosted international guests, post-secondary students, researchers and schoolchildren and I have gone off-site to teach other artist and carvers.
Some of the topics include:

  • My background and story as an artist
  • Art styles of the west coast
  • Traditional tools and techniques
  • Preparing and engineering the materials
  • Tseshaht and Nuu-chah-nulth culture

*Please note due to COVID-19 the gallery is only offering virtual forms of engagement with groups.*