Freda Diesing School

Dempsey Bob teaching a student in the studio

Dempsey Bob teaching a student in the studio

In the fall of 2010 Nigel decided to embark on a venture that has been calling him for years, full time professional art. Nigel believes that in order to accurately represent art in the northwest, it would be a good idea to learn the styles of the people that have lived in this area for thousands of years. Nigel decided to learn North West Coast Art at Freda Diesing School of Northwest Art and Design in Terrace, BC.

First, a bit of background on the school.  Freda Diesing School, “Freda’s House”, is a progressive art school focussing on the First Nations Style of the Northwest Coast. It was named after the artist Freda Diesing, who was instrumental in the development of the art during the native cultural “renaissance” in the 60’s. Freda started carving professionally in her 40’s and was an inspiration to many people, women and men alike, who have come after her. Tragically, Freda passed on in a car accident in 2002. The school was started in 2006 by one of Freda’s students, Dempsey Bob, and his two nephews, Ken McNiel and Stan Bevan.

Dempsey Bob in Front of a panel that he designed

Dempsey Bob in Front of a panel that he designed

This school is unique because it focusses on First Nations culture in a context where the culture lives today, led by teachers who are active in the culture and enhanced by students who are stong in the culture, and yet it balances this with an academic setting.

Freda Diesing school is composed of two, one year programs.  The first year is the certificate program, where students learn the basics of two-dimensional forms, tool making, computers, and some basic wood carving.  The basics of two-dimensional form teaches students about formlines, ovoids, primary/secondary/tertiary space, junctures, U-forms, fields, color design, hands and crest design.  The basics of tool-making involves making a set of bent knives, micro-knives and a straight knife.  And basic carving involves making a plaque and making a paddle.  Later on in the semester, students will learn to carve a portrait mask, a spoon and a bowl.  The class has numerous field trips during the year and the students have the option of attending various workshops.  In fall 2010, there were two workshops, Totem Pole Conservation and Aboriginal BEST; and there were four field trips: Gitanyow, Prince Rupert, Cliff Bolton’s Studio and a trip to gather alder.

In addition to Dempsey, Ken and Stan, this year, a new teacher has been added to the roster, Dean Heron.  Dean is a graduate of the school and is quite active in the commercial art market.  These teachers each bring their own strengths to the school, making this school quite unique even on the world stage.

 

Field trip to Rena and Cliff Bolton's home studio. Back: Carol Bagshaw, Larry Derrick, Barry Sampere, Carmen Rhoades, Paula Wesley, Evan Aster, Ken McNeil, Nigel Fox, Dean Heron, Nate Wilson. Front: Robert Moses White, Linda Bolton

Field trip to Rena and Cliff Bolton's home studio. Back: Carol Bagshaw, Larry Derrick, Barry Sampere, Carmen Rhoades, Paula Wesley, Evan Aster, Ken McNeil, Nigel Fox, Dean Heron, Nate Wilson. Front: Robert Moses White, Linda Bolton

 

Ken McNeil teaching about carving with the grain

Ken McNeil teaching about carving with the grain

Dempsey Bob teaching a student in the studio

Dempsey Bob teaching a student in the studio

 

Stan Bevan during the pole conservation workshop

Stan Bevan during the pole conservation workshop

 

Freda Diesing Christmas Show, 2010

Freda Diesing Christmas Show, 2010

 

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