Spring 2025
May 5-9

In this five day class, you will be carving a spoon in the Tlingit tradition out of yellow cedar with Tlingit carver James Johnson. From James: “There is no word for art in our language, pieces tell a story of our history, our visual language. Everything is functional and meant to be used. The Tlingit spoon is elegant, carved beautifully, and is able to tell a story.” 

During the course of the week, you will learn to carve a traditional Tlingit spoon out of yellow cedar. Under the guidance of James, you will begin by roughing the spoon shape with your adze. James will cover the proper technique and control of the adze as well as other traditional carving tools. Next, you will move into shaping the spoon bowl and handle with your crooked knives. You will be carving a Raven formline design into the handle. James will also cover basic Tlingit formline design with the goal of applying a design to the base of the spoon.  

From James: “Please understand pieces take patience and time.  Do not expect to have a completed spoon by the end of the week. I’ll teach all the proper cuts and carving techniques in order for you to know how to finish the spoon. But, what makes a piece good to something that is extraordinary is the finish work you put in. I encourage you to keep working on the piece at home after the class.”

James Johnson ​was born and raised in Juneau, AK. He belongs to the Tlingit Ch’áak’ Dakl’aweidi Clan (Eagle Killer Whale). James's great-great-grandfather was Chief Gusht’eiheen (“Spray off the Dorsal Fin”) of the Dakl’aweidi of the Xutsnoowú Kwáan​ ​(Angoon, Alaska). His great-grandfather was Chief Jimmy Johnson, and his grandfather was Chief Peter Johnson, whom he is named after: James Peter Johnson. James’s strong ancestral history led him to pursue the Tlingit art form. His late father, Franklin Johnson, first encouraged him to begin carving. James has now dedicated his life to perpetuating the Tlingit art form, honoring his ancestors through his work.

Tools 

Required

PTSW will provide all the tools necessary for this course. However, we strongly encourage you to bring your own carving tools. There are many blacksmiths now making and selling Northwest Coast Salish-style carving tools. Most are made to order so make sure to place your order as early as possible so that you have your tools by the start of class. Some of the tools can also be made with simple techniques, especially if you have any experience working with metal. Here is a tutorial on how to make a bent knife. http://www.speakingcedar.com/in-depth-tools.html

Recommended

• Hand adze

• Crooked knives from Kestrel tools: H, H2, and H3

• Straight knife

Prerequisites

This class is open to all, however some experience with an adze will be beneficial, and being comfortable using your crooked knives.

Class Information and Registration

Classes run 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday in Building 315 at Fort Worden. Map
Please read our What to Expect page for general information about the School.
Please also read our Registration Policy.
Please sign up for the waitlist if the course is full.

Class size: 12
Cost: $940
Materials Charge: $75