Fish carvings and fish sculptures are popular decorative pieces for sport fishing enthusiasts as well as those who are interested in fish in general. If you are such a collector of fish artwork, you should consider adding a piece made by a native aboriginal artist for your home, office or lodge.
The native aboriginals of the Pacific Northwest coast make some stunning wood carvings of salmon fish which is the most important fish species in the region as a food source and as part of native culture. Salmon carvings are expertly carved with wonderful details and are usually presented as wall plaques. These salmon fish carvings are often painted with various colors but sometimes the pieces are finished in natural wood stains too.
The Inuit from Canada’s Arctic north also produce fish artwork. Rather than using wood, Inuit artists use indigenous stone to produce three dimensional fish sculptures. Of course, instead of salmon, these northern artists create sculptures of local based fish species such as Arctic char. Master Inuit carvers put in equally exquisite details in their fish sculptures as their Pacific Northwest coast counterparts do.
Being made from stone, Inuit artwork such as the fish sculptures will be much heavier in weight compared to the wood fish carvings from the Pacific Northwest coast. The three dimensional aspect of the Inuit fish sculptures also mean that these pieces are meant to be displayed on a shelf or mantle rather than on the wall.
If you are shopping for an Inuit fish sculpture, one thing to keep in mind is that they may be harder to find compared to native aboriginal salmon carvings. Fish are not among the most common Inuit art subjects especially compared to other Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, seals and walruses. If in stock at Inuit art galleries, fish sculptures will likely be found in the ‘Other Inuit Sculptures’ category.
Whether it’s a salmon fish carving from the Pacific Northwest coast or an Inuit fish sculpture from the Arctic north, such a piece would be a very nice addition to your decor and should get nice attention from your sport fishing friends and other guests since they are not your usual game fish artwork.
Clint Leung is owner of Free Spirit Gallery http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca , an online gallery specializing in Inuit art and Native American Indian art. including carvings and prints. Also numerous information articles and videos.
Source: www.articlesbase.com
