Ladle Carving by John Hudson, Alaskan Tsimshian

Ladle Carving
by John Hudson, Alaskan Tsimshian
alder
9.5” long x 2.75” diameter

John Hudson was born in Seattle, Washington in 1967.  His father is Tsimshian master carver Jack Hudson, a full time teacher of art and culture in the village of Metlakatla, Alaska.  Jack Hudson has been credited with the revival of traditional arts in Metlakatla and has influenced a number of prominent artists from the area including David Boxley.

John, a member of the Wolf Clan, spent most of his summers in Metlakatla learning about his heritage and culture and working for the community owned fish traps.  John learned traditional carving methods from his father and his dedication to working within the old Tsimshian style is apparent throughout his art. His meticulous regard for detail and use of traditional tools have gained him recognition and respect amongst his elders and peers.   

In June of 2008, John was invited by the prestigious Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia to research the carving and painting of the Tsimshian master works from the Dundas Collection while it was on display. After viewing the collection, John began a two year journey researching the history of the pieces, the carving styles and the recreation of the original patinas. John's current work is based on this research and these carvings honor both the work of his ancestors and his personal carving aesthetic.

In October of 2009, Hudson was one of only four indigenous artists chosen for the prestigious artist leadership fellowship through the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI).  The fellowship allowed Hudson to work with Tsimshian artifacts both in Washington D.C. and Suitland, Maryland, as well as the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History (where their oldest collections are housed). The fellowship also gave Hudson the opportunity to visit the photo and film libraries.

This research gave Hudson the opportunity to diagram and photograph some Tsimshian wind instruments, specifically what anthropologists have labeled a 'Tsimshian Trumpet." The Smithsonian then sponsored Hudson to go back to Metlakatla, Alaska to do a workshop showing artists from his community how to make these instruments. The Smithsonian created a short documentary about his fellowship and workshop in Metlakatla.  

Hudson's work embraces several different mediums including wood carvings, painted deer hide drums, painted basketry and bronze sculpture. John’s artwork is of the highest quality and a very fine representation of Tsimshian culture.