Alutiiq Art

Captain Ron's latest pursuits have led him deep into his Alaskan Native heritage to recreate some of the things that are precious and significant to the people of the Koniag region.

This ceremonial mask is the captain's original design. Called "The Hunter", it depicts what the hunter has in mind as he works to provide food for his family.

He has replicated some of the masks which are at the heart of the

Giinaquq : Like A Face

collection of archaelogical artifacts dating back into past centuries.

(See the Alutiiq Museum for more info.)

Carved by hand of oak, the "Mouthless One" is made according to the specifications of the original mask as shown in the book, Two Journeys.

"The Spirit Taker" is another ceremonial mask shown in The Two Journeys.

This replica is also carved entirely by hand in the exact specifications of the original.

Beginning a series of Alaskan animals, a family of orcas is completed. Again, carved completely by hand and painted with acrylics, this group consists of a male, female and infant orca.

More photos are available upon request. These should all enlarge when clicked on.

Latest (and probably final) Photos

This ship is listed for sale, now and we just took some final photos for the advertising.

Here are a few of the final photos.

There have been many tiny details added, like cleats and things.

The hull has been polished and lacquered sooo many times. It just glows.

Some of the chain was replaced with rope.

I love those beautiful compound curves.

The bowsprit has been tapered more than it was originally.

I think I want to live aboard!

Looks pretty cozy to me.

I'm gonna miss her.

Nancy

Here are the latest photos

Taken on July 13, 2009. Notice all the tiny details that have been added since the last photo op.

Latest Photos Show Rigging

These photos taken today show the rigging coming together -- nearly finished. Note the tiny hand-fashioned brass fittings.

She's nearly done. This sailing ship is hand-fashioned after the North American Merchant Schooner of the late 1800's. These ships were used for carrying goods along the East Coast of the United States. and South America.

I recommend you click on the photos to enlarge the detail.

Showing the masts and yardarms.

It looks so real!

The bowsprit is inlaid with ivory diamond shapes and a star on the very front.

Lowering the skiff.

A view of the midships, looking forward. This shows off some of the curves in the boat design. The hatch coamings are raised to support the hatch covers which give access to the interior holds. Note the oak planking of the deck.

Aerial view of the stern shows the lifeboat, suspended from its davits. The davits are fashioned of brass with miniature pulleys that raise and lower the boat. Notice the life ring and fire axe atop the house.

All the rope work is hand-tied. The ivory rope blocks in the foreground are used to tighten the mast stays. They are authentic miniatures and absolutely work.

In the foreground, at the rail you can see cleats and rope chocks, carved by hand and painted black. There are a total of 12 cleats on the boat and 8 chocks.

This shows a portion of the living quarters below the removable house. See the barrel on the deck? The cooper is not finished with it yet.

Below decks you can see the step of the mast and the inside framing. Note the anchor winch (it really weighs the anchor and is turned by hand.)

See how the mast and bowsprit line up with the keel. She's true, and straight as an arrow.



Elegant shape.

New photos, and these will be some of the last ones before it's finished. The boat will go up for sale in the near future. It represents some 6 months of steady work. Remember, all the parts and pieces are made by hand and, with the exception of things like, say, the bell, all is hand-fashioned. Look closely at the blocks and tiny fittings. Some are made of ivory, but all are handmade and really work. Ropes and pulleys, rudder and steering wheel, doors, etc. are all functional.

Captain Ron is listed with the Department of the Interior - Indian Arts and Crafts Board. A member of the Alutiq Tribe of the Koniag Island Group (Kodiak) of Alaska.

Please direct any inquiries to:

rtorsen@wowway.com

Sea Trials!! In the fish pond.

These shots were taken in February, about a month ago.

It's very lightweight (no ballast... yet!)

It floats right where it should and will have proper trim when it's ready to sail.

We'll be back now, with more photos and updates. The ship is acquiring detail work I never dreamed of. The captain is doing the most fantastic work. --Nancy

New Year - New Photos

There are so many new little details on the boat that it takes some looking to see it all.  Here are a few photos taken today to try and show the progress.

Here is how she looks today.

See how the little rope ladders are coming along.  With needle and thread!

These little blocks are hand carved from Walrus ivory and really work.  The life rings are carved out of oak, painted and the line added.

Gotta have a fire axe.  It will be mounted.

In answer to Diane's previous question, yes.  Everything will be watertight.  Just like a real one.

Let me take this opportunity to apologize to those of you without blogging accounts who were unable to comment.  There was one little setting I missed.  Everyone should be able to comment now.  And we hope you do!