Formline School
Formline is a mathematical and spiritual system of balance. I am currently documenting my studio process into a structured curriculum to preserve and share these techniques.
The Philosophy of Tlingit Geometry
Understanding Northwest Coast Art requires more than just a steady hand; it requires a deep dive into tension and the mathematical “primary grid.” This is a visual language that has documented our history for millennia.
My approach is rooted in a unique dual-lineage of cultural and technical mastery. I have had the profound honor of studying under Master Carver Nathan Jackson, who grounded my work in Tlingit tradition, and Steve Brown, whose scholarly insights into the classical evolution of formline helped refine my understanding of its geometric logic.
In the Formline School, we don’t just draw shapes; we study the anatomy of the design.
The Curriculum
Unit 1
Formline Fundamentals
Mastering the Ovoid, U-shape, and the logic of color application.
Unit 2
Composition
Developing the balance of positive and negative space and the flow of the line.
Unit 3
Traditional Drawing
Hand-eye coordination and the physical drawing techniques used in traditional design.
Unit 4
Digitalizing Designs
Translating hand-drawn work into vector precision for modern creative tools.
Unit 5
Regalia Crest Design
The logic of crest art and its specific application to regalia and ceremony.
Unit 6
Historical Evolution
Understanding how formline has changed and adapted through different eras.
Join the Pilot Program
Enrollment is not yet open. Sign up below to receive updates as these units are finalized and released for pilot testing.