Duane Pasco facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Duane Pasco
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| Born | May 14, 1932 |
| Nationality | American |
Duane Pasco (born May 14, 1932) is an American artist. He is well-known for his artwork that uses styles from Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. He is also a respected teacher of this art form. Pasco played a big part in bringing back the special 'Ksan art style.
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About Duane Pasco
Duane Pasco grew up in Alaska and Seattle. He has English and Irish family roots. He began his art career professionally in 1966. He creates art by both carving and drawing.
His Artistic Journey
In 1967, Pasco decided to focus on art full-time. He left his job at a steel company to study art more deeply. Later, in 1976, he changed his artistic approach again. During these times, he was greatly influenced by the ideas and artwork of Bill Holm. Holm was an artist and historian.
Teaching and Influence
Pasco has taught art classes at many universities and schools. These include places in Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska. A very important place he taught was the Gitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Indian Art ('Ksan). There, he inspired many artists, including Walter Harris. He is also a friend of Nuu-Chah-Nulth artist Joe David.
Canoe Carving and Public Art
Duane Pasco is also known for carving canoes. He helps new canoe carvers learn the skills. He also actively assists them in the steaming process, which shapes the canoes.
You can see his carved totem poles in public places. Some are in Seattle at Occidental Park and Seattle Center. Others are in Sitka, Alaska at Sitka National Historical Park.
Language and Newsletter
Pasco is a speaker of Chinook Jargon. This is a trade language that was used by many different groups in the Pacific Northwest. In the early 1990s, he published a newsletter called Tenas Wawa. It came out every two months from Poulsbo, Washington, where he still lives today.
