| Duane Pasco | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 14, 1932 |
| Nationality | United States |
| Influenced by | Bill Holm |
Duane Pasco was born on May 14, 1932, and raised in Alaska and Seattle.[1] He is a highly regarded Native-style artist and teacher of Northwest Coast art, in particular a key contributor to reviving the 'Ksan style.[2][3][4]
He has been professionally active since his first gallery showing in 1966, working in both carving and two-dimensional formats.[5] In 1967, he took a leave of absence from his then-employment for a steel-construction company, in order to move beyond what he describes as making "curios"[1] and pursue art education full time. He again made a major change in approach in 1976. At both these times, he was heavily influenced in his artistic development by the writings and works of artist and historian Bill Holm.[1] He has taught classes at many universities and schools in Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska, notably the Gitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Indian Art ('Ksan),[3] where he influenced artists such as Walter Harris. He is a friend and associate of Nuu-Chah-Nulth artist Joe David.[6]
His carved totems are publicly viewable in Seattle at Occidental Park and Seattle Center,[7][8] and in Sitka, Alaska at Sitka National Historical Park.[9]
He is a speaker and expounder of Chinook Jargon. In the early 1990s he published the bi-monthly Tenas Wawa newsletter in Poulsbo, Washington,[10] where he continues to live.[1]