Stan Hunt is a Tsakis Kwaguilth artist from Fort Rupert on Vancouver Island. Stan is a member of one of the first families of Northwest Coast carving. He was born in 1954 just as his grandfather, Mungo Martin, and his father, Henry Hunt, were at the Royal Museum of British Columbia reviving the art that had been prohibited by the Canadian government for nearly 70 years. Stan’s brothers Richard and Tony Hunt Sr. are also well-known carvers. Stan now enjoys an influential and creative partnership with his nephew, Tony Hunt, Jr.
Stan was born on September 25, 1954 while his father was working for the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria B.C. When Stan was thirty years old he was initiated into the Hamatsa Society and danced in the cedar bark ceremony for the first time. He first learned to carve toy boats and canoes. In 1976 Stan asked his father if he could be a carver. Henry replied, “The first thing you have to do is make your own tools.” Stan spent the next three years learning knife techniques and carving plaques for the Victoria tourist trade. He also assisted his father on six totem poles. His interpretation of the Kwaguilth style is starkly traditional. No power tools are used, only traditional tools, the adze, straight knife and curved knife are used. The images are original but with traditional roots in the stories of the Kwaguilth people. Images passed down from one generation to the next.
Not only is Stan a well-renowned carver, but he is also a member of the Hamatsa society and dances in the potlatch ceremonies for the Hunt family. This Hamatsa dancing society is traditionally the highest ranking dance society within this Nation whose members are honored with equal rank and prestige.
Stan is a committed artist. He carves solely in the Kwaguilth style that he learned from his father and brothers. His masks, totem poles and graphic original paintings are collected for their craftsmanship and authenticity. Stan’s work can be found in museum and private collections around the world.
Career Highlights
1997-1999 Tucson, Arizona, Bahti Arts with sons Jason & Trevor
2002 Phoenix, Arizona with sons Jason & Trevor for Coghlan Arts
1986 Jean Auel – 12 Foot Totem pole in Oregon
1987 Jean Auel’s Lawyer 12 Foot Totem pole in Oregon
1993-1994 “Following in Our Father’s Footsteps” Tony Sr. & Stan Hunt
Stonington, Seattle
1993-1997 Quintana – As one of Coghlan Arts Artists
1994 20 Foot Sisutl Log Drum with Drum Sticks for Derek Simkins Gallery
1994 Front of Native Art Calendar
1996 Joe Kovalac – 12 Foot Totem pole “Sea Bear Holding a Halibut”
2002/03/04 – Art Shows at Tribal Expressions Gallery Chicago Illinois
2003 – Rob & Jeri Brooke 12 Foot Totem pole in Chicago Illinois
2005 – Memorial Pole for parents Henry & Helen Hunt in Fort Rupert