I am a Bend, Oregon based artist, specializing in Northwest Coast style carving, sculpture and jewelry. I was apprenticed to my uncle, Ivan Otterlifter (Cyot), in the early 1990s. Ivan was a well regarded N.W. Coast master carver and jeweler active in the Squamish B.C. area and Oregon from the 1960s through the 80s. Ivan, along with his contemporaries, played an instrumental role in the revival of N.W. coast art and culture during this time.
I apprenticed with Ivan for over four years, attaining journeyman status in 1995 and master status in 1998. I continued to work with Ivan until his death in 1999. In the years since I have concentrated on improving my skills and exploring additional artistic styles, particularly surrealist sculpture, lowbrow, and metalwork. With regards to N.W. Coast art, I do not actively make new pieces, but I will take commissions, and I remain primarily focused on 19th and early 20th century styles, using only traditional tools, materials and techniques.
You can contact me at: tomferrisart@gmail.com or 541-848-7593. I take commissions and I am willing to try just about anything. If you have an idea, let's discuss it! I'd love to help you make it a reality. I look forward to hearing from you.
