Learning by Designing Pacific Northwest Coast Native Indian Art, vol.1 [Paperback]

Jim Gilbert (Author), Karin Clark (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0969297939 | ISBN-13: 978-0969297932 | Publication Date: November 27, 1999

This reference and instructional manual contains a detailed, thoroughly analyzed, well-supported comparison of the four Pacific Northwest First Nations art styles. There are 800 clear, detailed illustrations accompanied by straightforward copy.

Topics include design formline, ovoids, U shapes, S shapes, heads, body parts, and design formation, as well as a step-by-step How to Draw section. 8 1/2" by 11", black and white, durable soft cover, 224 pages.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A font of information for those who feel a need to understand more about the fascinating complexities of Northwest Coast Native Indian Art ... -- Reg Ashwell - Art Collector, Consultant and Author. Saltspring Island, B.C.

This book provides valuable information about the complex variations of Northwest Coast designs. -- Chief Tony Hunt Mupin Kim - Klah Kwa Tzee Four Times Chief/Big Copper - Kwagulth Master Carver and Artist. Tsaxis/Victoria, B.C.

This well researched and richly illustrated book will be of great benefit to anyone... -- Steve Brown - Author and Artist, Associate Curator, Native American Art, Seattle Art Museum. Seattle, Washington.

About the Author

Jim Gilbert. -- Born and raised on southern Vancouver Island, author/artist Jim Gilbert has had a lifetime of exposure to, and experience with, Pacific Northwest Coast aboriginal art. For the past thirty years, Jim has been a serious student of the culture, heritage and art of the coastal First Nations people. Jim also learned from his father, Harry Gilbert (1898 - 1967), who painted and carved in the Native style. A versatile and award winning artist, Jim works in all mediums in both traditional and contemporary art styles. All his designs are original, using centuries-old conventional design elements, structure and colour. His artworks can be found in collections worldwide.

In the two-volume publication, Learning by Designing Pacific Northwest Coast Native Indian Art, companion for the previously published Learning by Doing Northwest Coast Native Indian Art, Jim shares his passion and respect for the art form and passes on his own training, understanding, skill, and experience with traditional art apprenticeship methods. Jims understanding of effective methods of passing on artistic knowledge and skills is partly the result of experience gained while teaching First Nations art in Victoria public schools and through giving workshops and seminars. Jim also used his artistic skills to create over fifteen hundred original illustrations for the two volumes of Learning by Designing as well as illustrating Learning by Doing.

Jims long association with many First Nations artists working in all of the four art styles represented in these books, along with his qualifications as a biologist, teacher, artist and author make him uniquely suited to be involved in the production of this extensive, working guide and reference book on the aboriginal art of the Pacific Northwest Coast.

Karin Clark. --Writer/teacher/artist Karin Clark has had over 20 years experience working with children and adults. Most of this time has been spent learning and teaching with British Columbias First Nations in public and private schools, colleges, art classes, aboriginal/social studies courses, and university teacher education programs.

In her first book, Learning by Doing Northwest Coast Native Indian Art, co-authored with Jim Gilbert, she used her experiences and training in special and cultural education to produce an easy-to-follow, beginners skill development curriculum designed to foster respect for First Nations culture through art.

Karin spends her work time evaluating teaching/learning strategies and materials; creating curriculum material, writing story books and readers; using frameworks to create First Nations language programs; creating material and workshops to: enhance self-esteem and motivation, create Native Indian art, learn and teach using the Cognitive Education Method (CEM) - 6 keys to success, identify and explore your own personal learning styles and strategies; identify, strengthen, and remediate thinking skills and strategies; train instructors, paraprofessionals and curriculum developers; and designing flyers and brochures.

In writing Learning by Designing Pacific Northwest Coast Native Indian Art and Learning by Doing Northwest Coast Native Indian Art with Jim, Karin has been able to use all her skills and experience to create a useful resource for artists, students, teachers, and collectors.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Raven Pub (November 27, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0969297939
• ISBN-13: 978-0969297932
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #355,813 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books on the topic, November 20, 2000

By 

Pooh Guy (Redmond, WA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Learning by Designing Pacific Northwest Coast Native Indian Art, vol.1 (Paperback)

I've purchased EVERY book I can find on the topic of Pacific Northwest Coast Native Indian artwork (currently I have over 160), and this is one of the best if you want to try your hand at this type of artwork.

This book contains tons of examples, explanations, and a nice amount of info about the tribes and styles. This is the only book I've found with a section that actually takes you step-by-step through the process of creating some Northwest Coast art! (Note that the recently-published volume 2 also does.)

The only downside I can see is that the artwork is relatively "modern" and representational, and does not cover some of the older or more abstract styles. On the other hand, it does not seem to be intended to be complete. The goal of the book is to help someone delve into this sort of artwork, and it does that very well. I've taken in-person classes from several people who are acknowledged experts in the field and/or natives (including a Haida Master Carver), and they teach the same sorts of basics this book does.

If you want to try your hand at drawing this kind of art, I recommend that you buy "Looking at Indian Art of the Northwest Coast" by Hilary Stewart as an excellent book for giving you an overview and feel for the art form, buy this book and volume 2 by the same authors for the extensive examples and how-to information, and I also recommend "An Analysis of Form" by Bill Holm, which is the single most in-depth study of the elements that are used in PNWC artwork.

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cultivate a Satisfying New Hobby, April 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Learning by Designing Pacific Northwest Coast Native Indian Art, vol.1 (Paperback)

Talented teacher/author Karin Clark and gifted multi-faceted artist Jim Gilbert have produced a truly remarkable new gem of a book about Pacific Northwest Native Indian art. Called Learning by Designing, this comphrehensive ,innovative and lavishly illustrated book offers not only an interesting and thorough history of the various native art forms indigenous to the Pacific Northwest but includes easy to understand step-by-step instructions suitable for both novice and experienced artists. As a neophyte student of this art form , I was surprised at the quality of my own work. In addition, I found the process to be pleasantly relaxing as well.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars good beginnings., December 8, 2002

By 

Kevin P. Menard "Kevin" (Denton, Texas USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Learning by Designing Pacific Northwest Coast Native Indian Art, vol.1 (Paperback)

This book is an excellent opening into NW Coastal art. It does not address the meanings or legends but mainly how designs are created and build up of elements. Lots of illustrations. Its an excellent reference for the carver or artist wanting to work with the designs (note: no carving techniques etc are discussed; just design but that is enough)