PATTERSON TOM

As a contemporary artist I am interested in pieces my ancestors carved. I try to explore back in time and learn the different steps the artists would have taken to create their artwork. Some of my work speaks of these traditional ways. When I study the old pieces, I am learning the techniques the elders used. In some of my work I adapt these basic steps to create my own contemporary work without changing the concept of the mask.
-Tom Patterson
Tom Patterson was born June 13th, 1962, in Victoria, British Columbia. He is a member of the Nu-chan-nuilth tribe of Kyuquot on the west coast of Vancouver Island. He began carving in 1977 at the Arts Of The Raven workshop and gallery under the guidance of Tony Hunt Sr., a renowned Kwakwaka’wakw artist and member of the famous Hunt family of carvers. Although Tom is of Nu-chan-nuilth (West Coast) descent he is also strong in the Kwaguilth style of carving. He also studies Bella Coola, Tlingit and Tsimshian styles.
Tom’s art has been and will be an ongoing process, learning from elders and artists. An important part of his personal and artistic development has been gaining an understanding of the rich culture and history of his people.
He has since had many gallery exhibitions, monumental projects as well as teaching experiences, where he enjoys passing on his vast knowledge of Pacific Northwest Coast Native Culture and Art.