As a carver, I live through my hands and tools: transforming thick, heavy bone meant for massive collisions, into ethereal, otherworldly creations - small oases in busyness of life.

Many years ago, I fell in love with the shape, beauty and texture of moose antler. It has since become my principle medium. The antler forms a natural canvas for so many wonderful images, which I carve in relief, with a sense of stylized realism. At times an antler is so spectacular that it becomes a carving in and of itself, usually a little more abstract in nature. A carving can take three months to three years to complete.

Over the years, I have added other media to my carvers "palette", including: mountain sheep and musk oxen horn, mammoth and old walrus ivory, caribou antler, soapstone and marble. I am currently interested in exploring the creative possibilities of working bronze into my art by combining carved antlers and horns with bronze skulls.

'CANDLE ICE' DONATION TO YUKON ARTS CENTRE GALLERY PERMANENT COLLECTION
December 3, 2008

In 2008, the Yukon Arts Centre Gallery Permanent Art Collection acquired the 'Candle Ice' (as a donation in full by Miranda Atwood and the artist), to be displayed in its own display case in the lobby of the Yukon Arts Centre, Whitehorse, Yukon. An official unveiling is planned for March 2009, when 'Candle Ice' will be joined by 'Self Portrait' (as a donation in full by Earl Bennett and the artist).

The Westmark Whitehorse has again, generously provided accommodation, during Shane's trip to Whitehorse for the unveiling of 'Yukon Seasons' and the relocation from the Westmark Whitehorse to the Yukon Arts Centre Gallery of 'Candle Ice'.

Many, many thanks!

CREATIVE ANTLER CARVING COURSE
August 4-8, 2008

The week-long Creative Antler Carving Course, offered at Red Deer College, Alberta, Canada, August 4-8, 2008, was a great success. We learned how to carve moose antler as an artistic medium, using power tools. Our subject was an exotic, imaginary, tropical fish, chosen to allow some freedom to experiment and to develop the individual and unique styles witnessed above. Look for the course to be offered again next year in Red Deer during the Summer Series 2009.

Stay tuned for details regarding the opening of a new school, Legacy Carving Studios, founded by Keith Levoir and located in Okotoks, Alberta (just south of Calgary). Plans are in the works for a variety of carving courses with renowned international instructors. Keith has invited Shane to teach an introductory mammoth ivory carving course and a course on carving the full antler, to be offered in 2009.

*** UPDATE: The Mammoth Ivory Carving Course will take place March 9-13, 2009 (stay tuned for details!) ***