A breathtaking art book profiling twenty-five wood carvers, sculptors, and artisans who draw inspiration from the natural beauty of the Salish Sea.
It could be a pile of driftwood on a rock-strewn beach resembling the bleached bones of some ancient creature. It could be the old growth of the lush coastal rain forests, or the winds that blow across the water like a life-affirming force. The Salish Sea and its surroundings inspire artists working in many mediums, but there is no greater representation of the symbiotic relationship between natural environment and creative energy than woodworking.
Out of the Woods profiles twenty-five dynamic artists who use wood to create an amazing range of work. Among them 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 they have diverse backgrounds and practices, all of these woodworkers place importance on sustainability, preservation of our wild places, and respect for natural materials. Featuring exquisite photography of the artists in their studios, and full-colour images of their impressive array of works, Out of the Woods is a stunning display of skill, creativity, and the enormous depth of artistic talent along the Salish Sea.
