Summer 2023
July 24-28

Fall 2023
December 4-8

This five-day class will teach the fundamentals of recess carving a formline designed panel.  We will cover the fundamentals of formline and design. Every student will go through the steps to recess carve a rectangular formline panel. The class will emphasize the basics of learning to carve Tlingit style formline with respect to the traditional art form. 

Covering the history, culture and technical skills of both carving and formline design, this class seeks to build connections and understanding of one of the most iconic art forms of the Pacific Northwest First Nations people. Come celebrate this functional artwork in an intimate setting.

This one-week class will cover the basics of formline design and technique through carving a unique panel for each student. Students will be exposed to traditional Tlingit tools, their use and maintenance, and drawing methods. Students will work under the guidance of James to complete their panels to a satisfactory level of completion depending on the desires of each student. This course will discuss finishing techniques but will not directly teach those methods. 

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.

Required Tools 

• Straight knife (Example: http://www.kestreltool.com/store/northwest-coast-straight-knife )

• Bent knives (Example: http://www.kestreltool.com/store/kestrel-crooked-knife)

  • H-1

  • H-3

Recommended Tools 

• Baby straight knife (Example: http://www.kestreltool.com/straight-knives)

• Detail straight knife (Example: http://www.kestreltool.com/straight-knives)

In the interest of keeping the barrier to access low, we are only requiring three basic tools to get started. If you have any other carving tools, please bring them along. 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

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to info@ptwoodschool.org.

Class Information and Registration

Classes run 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday in Building 315 (July) and Building 304 (December) 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: 10
Cost: $850
Materials Charge: $100