Deep Dive
What is Nish Romero's daily routine as a carver?
Nish typically wakes up at 6 AM, starts his day with breakfast, and then works in his shop. He occasionally takes breaks to hang out at a coffee shop but generally focuses on carving.
What are the key differences between traditional Salish and Northern Alaskan art styles?
Salish art primarily uses shapes like trigons, crescents, and circles, while Northern Alaskan art features U shapes and ovoids. Both styles incorporate flow, but the facial features in Salish art often have northern influences.
How long has Nish Romero been seriously carving?
Nish has been seriously carving for a little over a year, though he started getting into it less than a year ago.
Who taught Nish Romero how to carve?
Nish learned from Jonas Jones and Ray Notoro in Vancouver. He primarily works with Jonas Jones on larger projects.
What cultural lessons have stuck with Nish Romero from his carving mentors?
Nish emphasizes the importance of listening to the cedar, understanding that the wood guides the design. This cultural aspect is crucial in his carving practice.
Why does Nish Romero carve?
Initially, Nish was in debt and needed work, which led him to carving. Discovering his great-grandfather, Spud Cooper, was a master carver further solidified his path. Carving has since become a means of self-support and cultural connection.
What is Nish Romero's favorite part of the carving process?
Nish enjoys the middle stage when the wood transitions from a hunk to a recognizable form, like a face. This is when the cedar reveals its intended design, sparking creativity.
What inspires Nish Romero's artwork?
Inspiration comes from Nooksack stories, personal feelings, and nature. Many pieces reflect his emotional state or the environment around him at the time of creation.
What advice does Nish Romero have for other Indigenous youth?
Nish advises trying everything until you find what resonates with you. He discovered carving after exploring various paths, eventually landing on something that aligned with his family's heritage.
How does Nish Romero view the use of traditional tools versus modern tools in carving?
Nish appreciates both traditional tools like ads and modern tools like chainsaws. Modern tools are efficient, while traditional tools allow for deeper connection to the craft and cultural roots.
What does Nish Romero think about mistakes in carving?
Nish believes there are no mistakes, only modifications. Every error can be fixed or transformed into something new, emphasizing the flexibility and creativity in the process.
Has Nish Romero taught anyone else to carve?
Not yet. Nish considers himself still an apprentice and is not in a position to teach formally. However, he gives pointers to others interested in carving.
What does it take to be recognized as a master carver?
Nish acknowledges the old saying of needing 10,000 hours to become a master but feels he is still an apprentice. He relies on feedback from his mentors before considering himself in a position to teach.
What challenges do artists like Nish Romero face in their profession?
Artists like Nish don't have traditional work benefits such as vacation time, sick leave, or healthcare. If they're not working, they're not earning, making the lifestyle a full-time commitment with no breaks.
- Daily routine includes carving, coffee shop visits, and occasional smoking.
- Salish art uses triangles, crescents, and circles; Northern art uses U-shapes and ovoids.
- Learned carving from Jonas Jones and Ray Notoro.
- The cedar guides the carving process.
- Favorite part is the middle stage when the face begins to emerge.
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