Sea Lion Moon Mask
by Trevor Hunt, Kwakwaka'wakw First Nation
red cedar, cedar bark rope, pigment
30” diameter x 6.5” deep
Sea lions are symbols of wealth and abundance and are often represented on potlatch regalia. Sea Lion was also considered a source of hunting and fishing power by many Northwest Coast tribes. It is said that Sea Lions guard the house of Komokwa, Chief of the Sea.
As a promising young artist at the age of 13, Trevor Hunt painstakingly learned the art of traditional form line design from his father, Stanley Clifford Hunt, and cousins, Tim Alfred and David Knox. Soon after, he began to sell his original paintings in Victoria, BC. Deciding he had mastered the art of painting and drawing, Trevor began to learn to carve.
In 1993 he had his first set of prints on show in Montreal and, since then, has had a new print published every year, as well as marketing many lines of personalised designer T- shirts.
He has designed many logos for businesses on his native Vancouver Island, and has carved over twenty five poles, including one exhibit that stands regally in the Port Hardy Arena.
Trevor prides himself on carving in the traditional form, while using his own style, which gives his work a unique interpretation and highly professional touch.
In 2010, in collaboration with his father, brother, Jason and cousins, Mervyn Child and Calvin Hunt, Trevor carved a massive 52ft totem pole his father was commissioned to undertake. This prestigious totem pole is now the center piece of Canada Square in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Trevor has traveled widely across North America undertaking art exhibitions and performing carving demonstrations. Destinations have included Friday Harbor and Seattle, Washington and Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. He regularly receives commissions for his work including European customers in Belgium and the United Kingdom.
Teaching the youth to carve and passing on his knowledge is very important to Trevor, so he takes time out to teach the children at the Wagulis School in Fort Rupert, as well as Fort Rupert Elementary. In 2011, he was asked to donate a drum design , which the school has adopted as their new logo.
Balancing life between his wife, four children, and his carving profession, has proved a great way for Trevor to spend his time, as it has been all about doing things that he loves and are close to his heart.
