Jason Hunt

Country/Region: Northwest Coast (view other artists)

Tribe: Kwakwaka'wakw

Jason Hunt (b. 1973) was born in Victoria, BC and is of Kwakwaka'wakw descent, from the village of Fort Rupert, near Port Hardy, BC on Vancouver Island.

After graduating from high school in 1991, Jason went to pursue his post secondary education in the field of business administration at Camosun College. It was during the summer break of 1994, after completing his third year, that Jason became intrigued with his family's artistic heritage.

Jason was in the process of seeking summer employment when he decided to visit his father, Kwakwaka'wakw artist Stan Hunt. While watching his father design and carve different traditional pieces Jason decided to try his hand at the craft that has been passed down for four generations. Jason's lineage strongly influenced his decision to expand his knowledge of his family's artistic history and under the tutelage of his father, Jason began to explore the distinct culture and art form of the Kwakwaka'wakw people. He strives to maintain the integrity and authenticity of his work by being well versed on the significance of each piece. Jason is prepared to offer explanations for his work with reference to the meaning and the legends behind each of the figures he incorporates into his work.

Out of respect for traditional methods, Jason limits the use of power tools to rough out his work and knife finishes his pieces as opposed to using sandpaper. He plans to continue enhancing his skills and knowledge under the direction of his father and hopes to move on to larger pieces in the future.

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

1998 Voices of Fort Rupert: The Hunt Family Carves, Alcheringa Gallery, Victoria, BC

VIEW SHORT BIOGRAPHY