Spring 2024
May 27-31

All human beings have had some kind of experience that was momentous, that was life changing, that was extremely significant in how they view their past, their present, and future. Can we take those experiences and translate them into a physical object? In this five-day course, students will explore this idea within the context of NW coast Indigenous carving styles. Guided by Makah carver Greg Colfax, students will create their own personal carved object reflective of their own life journey rooted in the traditions of Makah carving ideas, forms, and techniques.

In this five-day course, students will work with Makah master carver Greg Colfax to carve a unique Western Red Cedar piece inspired by Makah traditions. Working within a NW coast framework, students will explore iconography and imagery meaningful to their personal experience and translate those into a unique carved piece of their own design. Greg will share stories, ideas, and techniques rooted in Indigenous knowledge and the Makah tradition which will provide a jumping off point and inspiration for each student’s process. Please bring images, stories, and forms that are meaningful to you! 

The Makah tradition is heavily rooted in the use of “D” adze, and because of this, each student will be provided with an adze iron from Kestrel tools and a hardwood block. The first day of the class will be spent carving and shaping a uniquely suited “D” adze handle. During this process, students will also learn about the Makah tradition as well as the maintenance, sharpening, and handling of their adze. Students will also be introduced to the use of their knives through this process, as well as the maintenance and sharpening of these edge tools. Each student will take home their very own “D” adze set up with the blade. 

In addition to the shaping of the “D” adze handle, students will also be introduced to the Makah design tradition on day one of this course. During breaks in the action, students will begin to develop their own design with Greg’s guidance and through sketching and drawing. By the end of the first day, students should have their “D” adzes set up, knives ready to go, and the design concept completed. 

On the second day of the course, students will work to transfer their designs to a pre-selected block of green Western Red Cedar. Students will use a bandsaw to rough out the shape of their piece and begin carving by the end of the day.  

Rooted in the Makah tradition and Idigenous wisdom, this five-day course is designed around personal expression and experience. How do we open up places in our mind and discover an answer to the issues that have shaped us and how do we, in turn, shape wood that tells that story? We will practice. We will learn. And we will use our experiences and our objects to create a unique piece reflective of our experiences.

Tools

PTSW will provide all the tools for this course. However students are encouraged to bring their own tools.

• Recommended:

• Various Bent Knives 

• Various Adzes 

• Lipped Adze 

• Chisels 

• Elbow Adze 

• D Adze 

• Mallet

• Flat chisel (¾’’) 

• Curved chisel (¾’’ gouge)

• Pencil and drawing tools 

• Paper

Prerequisites

Open to all. This course is designed for all skill levels and will focus on creating individual meaning and growth in your practice, no matter your skill level. 

Class Information and Registration

Class is held from 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.
If the course is full, please sign up for the wait list. 

Class size: 12
Cost: $895
Materials Charge: $75