ABOUT THE ARTIST
CAREY NEWMAN
Born on February 15, 1975, Carey is prominent among Canada‘s younger generation of Native artists. Artistry is in his blood: his father Victor, his greatgreat-grandfather Charlie James, and his great-aunt Ellen Neel, are all renowned wood carvers.
Being of British and Kwagiulth/salish descent, Carey has been able to draw upon each of these cultures for inspiration. Mastering as many techniques and mediums as possible is one of the keys to his continual inspiration. Wood, stone, gold, silver, gems, glass and painting are all mediums that Carey works with. With the help of family, he opened Blue Raven Gallery in 1996, which continues to thrive today.
Of Carey's 28 limited-edition prints, more than 20 have sold out. Most of Carey's carvings are commissioned by private collectors, however, he has also done work for corporations, government agencies and museums around the world.
Respecting tradition while finding ways to change without disregarding history is extremely important to Carey. He describes his approach to art this way: ”When I embark on a journey, I may not have a clear idea of where I am going, but…perhaps I do not need one. My travels are not of the prosaic, onefoot-after-the-other variety, but rather a venture through an uncharted forest called 'future.' This is terrain where ancient tradition smothers the ember of modern idea. A woodland so dense with archaic ritual that the rains of April, and the sunshine of May, are not allowed the opportunity to renew the undergrowth. I cannot clear-cut the trees to save the forest, for then it would no longer exist. Similarly, if there is never any new growth, the forest will eventually die of age. Therefore, I must realize the beauty in what was, and rejuvenate the old by balancing it with the new. So, it is there among the roots of the venerable trees, nurtured by the sunlight and rainfall filtering through cracks, where unneeded branches have fallen, that I will plant my seedling. Hoping perhaps someday, it will grow into prominence among its forefathers.“ To view more of Carey's work, visit www. blueraven. ca