Non Western

 This week I will be researching Non-Western art.  "Non-Western art refers to any art objects originating from the cultures and societies outside of the Western world. The West includes the cultures of Europe and the arts utilizing European aesthetics. Arts of colonized areas such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada are considered the West, but the arts from the native peoples of these countries are referred to as non-Western art." (“What Is Non-Western Art?”).

North West coast design is "Two-dimensional formline designs are depicted on objects such as bentwood boxes, clan hats, and house screens, and can also be adapted to embellish three-dimensional objects such as masks and totem poles." (NORTHWEST COAST FORMLINE DESIGN DEFINITIONS AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES).  Alaska is famous for its overwhelming culture and traditions that lie in the art seen around our beautiful state.  Northwest Coast largely uses four elements: line, shape, color, and space.  You can see all four of these elements in every Northwest Coast design piece.

Above is a cedar bentwood box created by Captain Richard Carpenter.  Richard Carpenter is one of the very few named Native artists of the 19th century.  Here in this piece of his, you can see very clearly that shape and space are elements that are used.  I find the artwork done for one of these chests are trulyu amazing and I know they take lots of detail and precision.  "Beginning with a long plank of wood, the artists would shape the walls of the box by carving some portions thinner, readying the plank for folds. At the points where the plank will bend, they cut notches across the plank, called kerfs. Cutting the kerfs carves out the needed space for the wood to fold into itself. The plank is steamed—traditionally over hot rocks and seaweed—making it pliable enough to bend. From there, the artists make three folds, bringing the walls together at 90-degree angles. The fourth corner is joined together with an adhesive. The joined corner remains visible, so the makers would orient that corner toward the back of the room where the chest is placed, and the whole decorative program for the chest would be planned out accordingly, with the primary designs on the opposite, frontal side. It’s a show of perfect craftsmanship and thoughtful presentation."

This piece above is linework on a hat by Willie Seaweed.  Willie Seaweed was a Kwakwaka'wakw chief and wood carver from Canada. He was considered a master Northwest Coast Indian artist who is remembered for his technical artistic style and protection of traditional native ceremonies during the Canadian potlatch ceremony ban.  The elements are very clear here once again as all formline makes sure to use precision with their space, shapes, and lines.  I also very much enjoy this piece and it's just so cool how this art and tradition is everywhere throughout their lives.  Either that be in the furniture they use or the clothes they wear.

Here above is a piece by Charles Edenshaw.  Charles Edenshaw was a Haida artist from Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada.  This piece clearly presents you with a human face while still incorporating the famous formline elements of shape, line, and space.  I find this very interesting and it definitely catches your eye right away.

Citations

www.sealaskaheritage.org/sites/default/files/Sealaska%20Heritage%20Formline%20Art%20Kit%20ONLINE%20low%20res.pdf.

“NORTHWEST COAST FORMLINE DESIGN DEFINITIONS AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES.” Sealaska Heritage Formline Art, www.sealaskaheritage.org/sites/default/files/Sealaska%20Heritage%20Formline%20Art%20Kit%20ONLINE%20low%20res.pdf.

https://www.ehow.com/about_6802272_non_western-art_.html

“What Is Non-Western Art?” EHow, Leaf Group, www.ehow.com/about_6802272_non_western-art_.html.

https://samblog.seattleartmuseum.org/tag/captain-richard-carpenter/

Werner-Jatzke, Chelsea. “Captain Richard Carpenter.” SAMBlog, 22 July 2016, samblog.seattleartmuseum.org/tag/captain-richard-carpenter/.