Barrington
(Barry) Smith, a Tlingit, was given the name Shgán aa, and belongs to the Kaagwaantaan
clan. His mother, Mary Williams, is from Klukwan.
Barry has been carving
for 37 years. He learned the basic technique of ivory carving at
a reform school, and then he taught himself more by studying books, totem
poles, screens, and other creations.
He also learned some carving
techniques from Cooper Wilson, a Haida carver, by watching over him while he
carved. Cooper was reluctant to “tell” him how to carve.
For the last
8 years Smith has been carving Northwest style on ivory. This is a
contemporary technique, however, Smith also carves in the traditional
style. Barry teaches others how to carve the
Northwest
Coast
style on ivory, and continues to learn of different styles and incorporating
them into his work.
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