CULTURAL GROUP:
Kwakwaka'wakw

BORN:
1973

BIRTHPLACE:
Victoria, BC

Jason Hunt was born in Victoria in 1973, and is of Kwakwaka'wakw descent from the village of Fort Rupert, near Port Hardy on Vancouver Island. After graduating from high school in 1991, Jason went on to pursue his post secondary education in the field of Business Administration at Camosun College. It was after completing his third year of college that Jason became intrigued with his family's artistic heritage. While watching his father, artist Stan Hunt, design and carve traditional pieces, Jason became more interested in the craft. When he tried to carve, he found that he had a natural connection that had been passed down through generations of the Hunt family. Jason's lineage strongly influenced his decision to expand his knowledge of his family's artistic history, and under the tutelage of his father, Jason began to explore the distinct culture and art form of the Kwakwaka'wakw people. He strives to maintain the integrity and authenticity of his work by being well-versed on the significance of each piece. Jason is prepared to offer explanations of his work and the legends behind each of the figures that he incorporates. Out of respect to traditional methods, Jason limits the use of power tools that rough out the piece, and instead knife-finishes his work as opposed to using sandpaper. He plans to continue enhancing his skills and knowledge under the direction of his father, and hopes to move on to larger pieces with his goal being the completion of his first totem pole.