Terry Starr facts for kids

Terry Starr is a talented artist from the Tsimshian Nation in British Columbia, Canada. He is part of the Gispaxlo'ots tribe. Terry Starr is well-known for his beautiful carvings and masks, which show off the rich traditions of his people.

Early Life and Family Roots

Terry Starr's family comes from two different places and clans. His mother was from Kitsumkalum and belonged to the Eagle Clan. His father was from Lax Kw'alaams, also known as Port Simpson, and was part of the Killerwhale Clan.

In his culture, families have special symbols called "crests." Terry's main family crest is the Eagle, from his mother's side. His second crest is the Killerwhale, from his father's side. These crests are important symbols that connect him to his ancestors.

When Terry was six years old, he received a special childhood name: Alu'-Alums. This name means 'Crying for or longing after something or someone.' It was given to him by the Chief of his tribe after his grandfather passed away. Later, as an adult, he received another name, Thla-enak, which means 'It's been a long time.' This name was given to him when he returned to his village after being away for a long time.

Becoming an Artist

After finishing a business course in college in 1982, Terry Starr decided to follow his passion for art. He bought his first carving tools: two adzes (which are special tools for shaping wood) and three knives.

He learned a lot from other famous artists. Two of the first people to teach him how to carve wood were Tim Paul from the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation and Richard Hunt from the Kwakwaka’wakw people. Their traditional carving styles have a big impact on the art Terry creates even today. In 1984, he spent time learning directly from Richard Hunt, who is a master artist, at Thunderbird Park and the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria, British Columbia.

Terry Starr's Unique Art Style

Terry Starr is especially famous for his masks. These masks use traditional colors and designs that come from his ancestors. He often paints only part of his masks. This way, you can still see the beautiful natural patterns of the wood grain.

His artwork is very popular and can be found in many art collections around the world. For example, the Paul and Joan Gluck Collection of Native Arts has over 200 pieces collected over more than 20 years, and it is one of the largest collections of its kind. Terry Starr's work was also shown in an exhibit at the Historical Museum of Southern Florida, which is one of the biggest historical museums in the United States.

Building Traditional Houses

Terry Starr has also worked on two big projects where he helped build full-size copies of traditional Tsimshian bighouses. These bighouses are large, important buildings in his culture. For both projects, he was in charge of hiring and training other carvers.

One of these bighouses was built for the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec. The other was built right in his home village of Port Simpson, where he grew up.

Art Exhibitions

Terry Starr's artwork has been shown in many art exhibitions over the years. Here are some of them:

• 1987 Hands of Creation, Inuit Gallery, Vancouver, BC
• 1989 Masks: An Exhibition of Northwest Coast Masks, Inuit Gallery, Vancouver, BC
• 1990 Painted Drums of the Northwest Coast, Inuit Gallery, Vancouver, BC
• 1993 Changing Faces, Stonington Gallery, Seattle, WA
• 1994 Life of the Copper: A Commonwealth of Tribal Nations, Alcheringa Gallery, Victoria, BC