Born and raised in British Columbia, Shane Tweten currently resides on Bowen Island, with his wife Julia and their twin daughters Piper and Paige. He owns and operates a small tree and landscape business as well as making a name in the art world. He has sold and displayed in such galleries as Quintana, in Portland, Oregon, Art Concept in White Rock, B.C. and The Croft in Calgary AB. as well as private collectors and commissions.

 He was influenced by specialized art classes taken in secondary school, one dealing, strictly with 2D art, the other with 3D art. Three dimensional art was preferred and even after high school he continued to work with such mediums as clay and wood. Working as an arborist has led him to a passion for woodcarving, self taught at carving with a chainsaw, he created a few sculptures that won awards at Richmond Carvers Society. Influenced by the Northwest Coast style, Shane has learned mask carving and toolmanship in the Nisga’a , Tlingit and Tsimshian  methods,  from local artist Robert Barratt, who apprenticed under world famous carvers Norman Tait and Lucinda Turner. Traditions, history and style were also learnt from Simon Dick James, a Kwakawaka’wakw dancer, carver and teacher. Working close to Simon gave Shane the opportunity to learn techniques, stories and culture of the Kwakwaka’wakw people, first hand.

Shane is an emerging artist that continues to carve with passion and exploration, and feels that carving is a way to pay homage or tribute to cultures, heritage, environment and art itself. He applies his knowledge to his style and has introduced elements of his own Irish, Scottish and Norwegian decent and feels the Celtic mythology and legends hold such a vast, almost unexplored possibilities when applied to wood carving.

 Shane believes that there are no boundaries in woodcarving art; that the forms and faces are already present in the wood just waiting to be found.

 

Shane has recently opened his own gallery on Bowen Island featuring his works and the works of Bowen Island artists as well as local B.C. artists. Stands Tall Creations Woodcarving Studio and Gallery is nestled in the majestic hills of Artisan Square, Bowen Island.

Make sure to check out our website for all the latest artwork.