During my visit to Quaaout Lodge a few weeks ago, I noticed something different as I walked into the main building. The carvings on the ends of the beams around the perimeter of the structure were strikingly beautiful. Were these something new, or did I miss them previously?As it turns out, Chief Felix Arnouse commissioned artist Bob Whitehead to carve wildlife creatures into the wood.According to accommodations manager Rhys Laug, “The carving actually took place in October and November last year; there are 12 animals represented in the work.”This is not the first work Whitehead has completed at the lodge. His relief carvings adorn the doors entering each conference area – beautiful scenes from nature.Whitehead starts with an original drawing, then chooses the material which, in this case, was chosen for him. The wood must be properly dried before carving. He uses a chainsaw to achieve great high-relief dimension, then with a unique shading technique highlights the details, creating further depth.From an early age, Whitehead has worked to use his natural artistic talents in celebrating Canada’s wildlife heritage. His fascination with the three-dimensional expression possible with wood carving has led to a 20-year career of carving, with pieces residing worldwide. The exquisite detail incorporated into his work has won special comment and awards at juried art shows.True to his roots, Whitehead has continued his attachment to his natural environment, making a home with his spouse and two teenagers on his hobby farm. When you can’t find him carving, you’ll probably find Whitehead in the round pen, training horses.In addition to Whitehead’s work, there are other works of art and collections of artifacts hanging on the walls of the lodge, some displayed within glass cases.The collection is constantly evolving and changing and there is much to please the eye, helping visitors to gain an education in Secwepemc ancient culture.Now that spring is here, it’s much easier to explore our surroundings, with more to see at Quaaout Lodge.
Art adorns Quaaout Lodge in Chase
The new carvings on the ends of the beams around the perimeter of the structure were strikingly beautiful.
Wood carvings into the beam ends happened over the winter at Quaaout Lodge. The carvings were created by Bob Whitehouse, commissioned by Little Shuswap Indian Band Chief Felix Arnouse. Whitehead is a wood carver living in the Shuswap (above right).
