ORIGINAL NORTHWEST COAST KAWKIUTUL DESIGNS IN COPPER
Two Traditional Art Forms Come Together …...
Artists Harold Alfred and Adolf Oetter have brought together two art forms -
both of which go back many centuries. This collaboration brings together
two artists with outstanding skills who honour traditional values. The
designs are all traditional art forms drawn from the Kwaikiutl style which
are represented on vessels created from pure solid copper of the highest
quality. These pieces are a result of years of artistic development and a
solid commitment to excellence by both artists. Indeed this a unique
melding of skill and artistry on a material (copper) which has traditionally
symbolized not only abundance, but spirituality and health.
Harold (Jackson) Alfred was born in Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada and is a member of the
Kwakwaka'wakw (formerly Kwakiutl) Nation and was born into the Namgis tribe
in 1953. Growing up in Alert Bay, constantly surrounded by the arts, one
could not help but be influenced by the magic and majesty of the designs,
figures and poles created by the great masters of the past. As a result,
Alfred produces outstanding work which has a contemporary feel with a strong
sense of the past. Alfred shows his respect for his heritage by following
the standards set by past masters and strives to develop a distinct style
which clearly depicts the strong traditional designs true to Kawkiutl art
form. His logo is the powerful "Thunderbird" which is one of the founding
crests of the Namgis and is symbolic of his roots as a Namgis artist from
Alert Bay. Alfred presently lives in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada with his wife and three
children.
British Columbia artist Adolf Oetter was born and raised in Bremen, Germany
emigrating to Canada in 1967. It was in Germany that he learned the skills
of metalsmithing, apprenticing for three and a half years in a slowly dying
trade that is now being superseded by 20th century technology and mass
production. In 1955 he was one of only three German apprentices undertaking
formal metalsmith's training, earning his journeyman's certification in
1958. Metalsmithing is a skill that can be directly traced back to the
Middle Ages when talented European craftsmen fabricated suits of armour for
15th century soldiers. Later it evolved into a more widely appreciated art
form as metalsmiths learned to form ornaments and such practical items as
tea kettles and bowls. With special metalsmithing tools he has crafted
himself, Oetter pursues this unusual trade from his studio on Vancouver
Island. His works can be seen in fine galleries - including Oetter Gallery
in Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada.
Harold (Jackson) Alfred was born in Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada and is a member of the
Kwakwaka'wakw (formerly Kwakiutl) Nation and was born into the Namgis tribe
in 1953. Growing up in Alert Bay, constantly surrounded by the arts, one
could not help but be influenced by the magic and majesty of the designs,
figures and poles created by the great masters of the past. As a result,
Alfred produces outstanding work which has a contemporary feel with a strong
sense of the past. Alfred shows his respect for his heritage by following
the standards set by past masters and strives to develop a distinct style
which clearly depicts the strong traditional designs true to Kawkiutl art
form. His logo is the powerful "Thunderbird" which is one of the founding
crests of the Namgis and is symbolic of his roots as a Namgis artist from
Alert Bay. Alfred presently lives in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada with his wife and three
children.
British Columbia artist Adolf Oetter was born and raised in Bremen, Germany
emigrating to Canada in 1967. It was in Germany that he learned the skills
of metalsmithing, apprenticing for three and a half years in a slowly dying
trade that is now being superseded by 20th century technology and mass
production. In 1955 he was one of only three German apprentices undertaking
formal metalsmith's training, earning his journeyman's certification in
1958. Metalsmithing is a skill that can be directly traced back to the
Middle Ages when talented European craftsmen fabricated suits of armour for
15th century soldiers. Later it evolved into a more widely appreciated art
form as metalsmiths learned to form ornaments and such practical items as
tea kettles and bowls. With special metalsmithing tools he has crafted
himself, Oetter pursues this unusual trade from his studio on Vancouver
Island. His works can be seen in fine galleries - including Oetter Gallery
in Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada.