Local silversmith, Ed Kunz presents his silversmithing and carving at UAS - Juneau campus
Last Thursday, March 17th, Ed Kunz gave a presentation on silversmithing and carving at the University of Alaska Southeast Juneau. The presentation is part of the “Art of Place” artists series. Son of the late Ed Kunz, Sr. and Cecilia Kunz, Ed began carving while living in Haines. His mentor was the late Ed Kasko. Although most silversmiths use an engraver’s block, Ed uses a wax to hold the strip of silver to a modest-sized, wooden board. When he began engraving the Tlingit design into the silver, he said he wanted an engraver’s block like he’d seen other silversmiths use, but with all of its accessories it came close to $100; then a few years later when he thought he could afford finally afford an engraver’s block, the price had risen to almost $500 so he said forget it.
Gold and Silver bracelets carved by Ed Kunz
ANS (Alaska Native Sisterhood) pendant carved by Ed Kunz
Ed has made many pieces of jewelry for his wife, Percy Kunz like the bracelets and pendants above. He usually works on a commission basis and sometimes does trades. I was real tempted to ask Ed if he wanted to trade a small Chilkat bag for one of those gold bracelets. Both of my parents liked jewelry and they both liked gold. I would have a golden bracelet in honor of my parents. Someday.
Ed's simple tdools of the trade
These are pretty much the two carving tools that Ed uses
Ed shows carving tricks-of-the-trade to UAS student assistant Justin
A reminder from the coordinator of the “The Art of Place” artists’ presentation, Ernestine Hayes: “Hello to all with a reminder that wood-carver Doug Chilton will be our visiting artist for our Spring 2011 Art of Place series tomorrow, Thursday March 24, beginning at 10:00 with a talk and discussion by the artist and a dessert potluck at 11:30, with an opportunity to meet and greet Doug over cake and coffee. The event will take place in the Glacier View Room.
On Thursday April 7, we will be visited by Florence Sheakley, who will share her knowledge on beadwork and button blanket-making and show some of her work (including a button blanket she made for me).
Please come to one or both events, and please remind your friends, students, and neighbors to come as well. We really appreciate your support for this important series!
Finally, please remember that our last event will take place on April 21 with Helen Watkins, and will feature a full potluck. We’re hoping for herring eggs! Gunalcheesh!
Coordinator Ernestine Hayes thanks the audience for coming out and supporting the artists!