Haida Paddle Project

Step 1: Background Information Prior to completing this project it is necessary to make sure that students are aware of the basic forms and features of Northwest Coast art, making sure that they have multiple opportunities to learn about the basic shapes (ovoid, u-shape, split u-shape, s-shape, trigon, etc) and the importance of form lines and colours. You will have wanted to provide a few opportunities to not only learn the shapes but to practice with them with different templates and colouring activities. Also, provide the students with a number of samples of Northwest Coast/Haida art to see how the ‘experts’ work – your students will soon become experts.

Can you identify the following shapes in the pictures below. Ovoid Can you identify the following shapes in the pictures below? Ovoid U-Shape Split U-Shape Trigon These skim boards are pieces that I’ve made myself, but there are many more samples that students can see through the Internet, books, field trips, and virtual field trips as well.

Colours What is the main colour used for the form-line Colours What is the main colour used for the form-line? What is the secondary colour? These are samples of my own work once again. With my classes, I make sure that they don’t try and tackle too much – one of the beautiful things about Northwest Coast/Haida art is the simplicity in the form lines and juxtaposition of the primary and secondary colours. Encourage them to be basic in their design. Help them to remember that they are ‘apprentices’ just starting out – practice makes perfect – or at least better.

Step 1: Teacher Preparation Purchase cedar fence pieces – I’ve used 5ft 3/5 inches X 6ft – this will give you two paddles per piece of cedar – look for pieces that have the least amount of knots – purchase an extra fence piece based on the number of students you have in case you make a mistake. Using 11X17 paper – have a ‘paddle pattern’ prepared for each student

Step 3: Let’s work with some cedar… Sand the edges of your cedar paddle with a piece of sand paper. Carefully cut your ‘paddle paper paddle’ out. Apply your design from your ‘paddle paper’ on the cedar paddle by placing the paddle paper over your cedar paddle. Gently trace over your pattern – be careful not to press too hard or the paper will rip. The cedar planks have a finished and an unfinished side – make sure students are working on the finished side Sanding – this doesn’t need to be too long of a process – just enough to smooth the edges – give the paddle that ‘rounded’ look. The paddle paper design will not match perfectly – make sure students know this. It would be a good idea to tape the pattern to the cedar paddle – enough to help it remain as still as possible. Make sure students don’t press too hard when tracing their patterns – cedar is a very soft wood and it won’t take much – have them do a small section and carefully peel the paper back to see if they’re pressing hard enough. Don’t throw the pattern away as it will have the colour choices for the next step.

Step 4: Let’s paint our paddles… Carefully paint the form lines (your black sections) of your pattern Carefully paint your red sections Use sandpaper for any blotches where you painted outside the line – be gentle! Let the paddle dry over night Paint – use any acrylic/latex paint that is washable. Some ‘craft’ paints do not have the boldness to them and won’t help the colours ‘jump’ out – it is your decision. You don’t need very much paint – especially red as it is your secondary colour and won’t be used as often unless your students choose to be ‘modern’ and make that their form line colour – let them be creative. Have varying sizes of paint brushes for different thicknesses of the different sections. When using the sandpaper for removing blotches – make sure they are very careful, rubbing very, very gentle.

Step 5: Stain anyone??? To help protect the paint and help your paddle last for years to come, you or your teacher will apply some stain on your paddle – ask your teacher which method they have chosen to use. Stain – you can either use a spray or a liquid – the spray is a quick process and less messy. I have usually done this myself in a well-ventilated area outside, lightly spraying the front and sides of the paddle two times. Follow the directions on the can for spraying the paddle.

Step 6: It’s time for a potlatch… As part of your unit, you may want to consider organizing a potlatch (contact me if you’d like more information on this – jhirsch@onlineschool.ca) where the students can practice the tradition of gift-giving by giving their paddle to their invited guest – make sure you’ve taken pictures of your paddles so that you have samples for next year’s students. One of the traditions in Haida culture, especially as part of a potlatch, is the giving of gifts – decide who you will give your paddle to – they will surely love it!