Rowing Across the Big Lake
(Mark Hansen Loves to Row)
2017 · · Wood
In 2017, I was invited to participate in an exhibit to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of North House Folk School where I teach classes. The school sits on the shore of Lake Superior or the Big Lake which marks the rhythm of life with its lapping or crashing waves, and influences everything from weather to which classes are taught. The character rowing is Mark Hansen, the founder of North House, and I tried to include references to many of the classes offered there, such as: timber framing, basketry, Norwegian work shirt, fishing, oar making, millenary, and of course, automata.
Gull goes fishing. 
Gears Close-Up: The framework is made of White Oak and finished with a dark blue/red wax finish. I wanted it to have an underwater feel but still be able to see all the gear works. I used joiner similar to Timber Framing techniques taught at North House. 
Mark Hansen Loves to Row: Mark Hansen is the founder of North House Folk School and first taught boat building there. The first time I met him was in a row boat on Lake Superior (as he rowed). 
Caricature of Mark Hansen: I carved this caricature based on a photo supplied by North House. The smile is typical Mark, but when I finished the piece I found he had shaved much of his facial hair and now looked like a quaker. OH NO! 
Chipmunk inside a Black Ash Basket: Chipmunk pops out of a Black Ash pack basket with a piece of pizza which is a nod to the community pizza bakes at North House Folk School. 
Mark Close-Up: I made a miniature Norwegian Work shirt for him to wear as a nod to a class taught at North House. I wasn't able to find something suitable to use for buttons, but maybe I still find something. Who knows? 
Gull Fishing: The Gulls are abundant at North House Folk School which is located on the shore of Lake Superior just one dock away from where commercial fisherman leave and return with their catch every morning to the mournful cries of dozens of hungry gulls. The shoe? Yes, there is shoe making at North House, but also concerning is the garbage that accumulates in Lake Superior. 
Miniature Black Ash Basket This basket is the collaborative effort of April Stone and Beth Homa Kraus, both instructors of Basketry Arts at North House Folk School. Thank you!
