Christy Schwager

I have been interested in art, design, and woodwork since I was a child. My father taught me how to use tools, including power tools, at a young age. I built my first boat in the back yard at age 6. It didn’t float. I worked with my mom and dad on our family’s various boats throughout my childhood. I am still working with my husband on our 1940 wooden sloop. My many boat trips into remote northern waters and visits to ancient native villages with my family and later with my husband, Bruce, have fueled my interest in studying Northwest Coast native art and carving.

I studied art, furniture building, sculpture, interior design, and architecture at the University of Washington, where I met my husband. At the University, Master cabinetmaker Evert Sodergren was an influential teacher for me. I also studied Scandinavian art, architecture, and design at the University of Uppsala in Sweden.

I worked together with Bruce for many years building furniture, cabinets, boats and other woodwork before I started concentrating on woodcarving. I especially enjoy natural forms in my carved doors, murals, and sculpture. I also marvel at the expression of subjects in nature by Northwest native artists.

In custom work, I try to help clients find something meaningful to them, especially to express their own appreciation of natural subjects. Much of my work is done in local woods such as Pacific yew, red and yellow cedar, Douglas fir, madrone, local walnut, alder, and bigleaf maple. I strive to reveal the particular character and beauty of each piece.