Jason Hunt

Born in Victoria in 1973, Jason is the son of Kwagulth carver and artist, Stanley Clifford Hunt. Following in the footsteps of his father and uncles, Tony Hunt and Richard Hunt, Jason has merged his trained indigenous artistic capabilities with a unique, recognizable style that is sought after by collectors throughout North America and in Europe.

Dedicated to the values of old world craftsmanship, and favouring the use of hand tools to carve and finish his works, Jason creates signature pieces that range from totem poles and large scale panels to masks, and paintings. Today, Jason is a steward of a rich legacy of creativity that traces its roots from his father through his grandfather, Henry Hunt, to his great-grandfather, Mungo Martin (both widely credited with teaching many of today’s leading artists). Jason’s work explores the distinct culture and art form of the Kwagulth people while reflecting the vibrant history and knowledge of generations of acclaimed artists.

Stonington Gallery speaks with Jason Hunt about his career, outlook, and process in April 2020:

1. What is your favorite music to listen to while working?

I tend to mix it up a lot and I like a lot of different music. Lately it’s been a rotation of Talking Heads, Arcade Fire and Dean Martin.

2. Your favorite tool or tools?

I have a good many knives and adzes but my favourite is an angled planer knife I made probably 20 years ago. It’s been so handy and makes smoothing so much easier. However it’s had so much sharpening over the years that I’m on the lookout for a replacement blade for it.

3.  I know there are many things you have learned from your father, Stan Hunt, but could you share one with us?

Dad taught me that when you think you’re done your piece, look over it again. Is there anything that bothers you or doesn’t look right to you? To go back and fix anything no matter how small. It’s that attention to detail I’ve always remembered. To this day I always have Dad in the back of my head when I’m working on a piece.

4. What does it feel like to sing with your family?

I’m a little jealous of the singers to be honest, I’ve never been a singer. I do like to get up with them and drum when I can. Not that anyone would say I’m a drummer either but I try!

5. Do you have a traditional mask from your Kwakiutl/Kwagulth culture that is your favorite to carve?

When I first started carving way back when, dad started me out carving masks in repetition to learn the forms. 5 bears, 5 pugwis, 5 owls etc. The owl is the one I have always gone back to though. I’ve done a lot of owls over the years and feel a real connection to them.

6. You are both using sandblasting as a way to carve the cedar, what do you most enjoy about how this process carves the wood?

Since day one, I’ve always knife finished my pieces and rarely sanded or used many power tools. Sandblasting to me offers a new way to design. I feel like it’s almost like a good cross between a painting and a carving. There’s freedom of design in that there are designs you can sandblast that would make no sense as a knife finished piece.

7. Is there a particular place on Vancouver Island that you feel most connected to?

I’ve always been back and forth between Victoria and Fort Rupert so both places are home for me. I love downtown Victoria and all the great restaurants and the architecture of many of the older buildings. In Fort Rupert I love to explore the beach and the islands in our bay.

8. Do you have a favorite Season? Why?

Not sure I have a favourite season but if I had to choose I would say spring. The bit of warmth bringing new life to the world is always amazing to see. Waiting for the bears to make their first appearance is fun at that time of year as well.

9. Favorite color or color combination?

My go to colour combination in the last few years seems to be a strong black, red and green. I try to mix up colours and have never been shy to doing something different. It seems normal now to see pretty much any colour used on northwest coast art but it wasn’t always like this. I remember one time going into a respected gallery in Vancouver with a piece painted in pink and lavender. The gallery gave me a dressing down about doing what they said was designer colours even though they liked it. Now years later it’s not even talked about it’s just normal to see different colour combinations.

10. Your art dream?

My art dream is to do some bigger public works type pieces with my brother and my Dad. I’ve been lucky over my career to be able to work with both of them fairly regularly including some bigger works but it would be fun to do a contemporary project with them. Keeping my eyes open for the opportunity!