Doug LaFortune

Country/Region: Northwest Coast (view other artists from Northwest Coast)

Tribe: Coast Salish

Doug LaFortune (b. 1953) was born in Bellingham, Washington. After attending school in Victoria, Doug studied Fine Arts at Camosun College in 1970. Uncertain of his future path, Doug enrolled in a Heavy Equipment Operators course and worked in logging until 1972. A visit to Simon Charlie at his workshop in Koksilah, BC, rekindled a desire to pursue the arts. Simon, already a world-renowned artist, inspired and encouraged Doug to pursue his artistic talents. Simon's knowledge of the Coast Salish artistic and cultural history laid a solid foundation for Doug's sculptural style; encouraging the use of contemporary styles based on classic Coast Salish design. Utilizing Simon's teaching, broadening his range of work, Doug has developed a unique and distinctive style. Whether carving a massive totem pole or masks, feast dishes or small figures, Doug's love and appreciation of carving can be seen and felt in the wood.

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