about
Greg Funk
bio
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Greg Funk; Husband and father, scientist, teacher, carver
Pursuit of my passion for science and understanding of basic brain processes have taken me many places including Vancouver British Columbia, Los Angeles, and Auckland New Zealand. Common to all of these locations is the ocean, which has taken on great significance for me over the years. Weekends kayaking while at UCLA in Los Angeles evolved into a serious passion in NZ where I was also introduced to the magic and power of the surf. The ocean is a source of enormous personal energy, refuge, recreation, and a focal point for personal and family adventures. My love and respect of the ocean and surf is a common bond that I share with my children that allows us to connect in a way that can only be appreciated by those who have shared the anxiety and exhilaration of paddling out, and into, a really great ride.
It was while in New Zealand that I became interested in Maori culture, art and bone carving in particular. I was captivated by the ability of these artists to capture the beauty, power and simplicity of the local environment. Ocean and forest themes are powerful forces in Maori culture and art. These themes dominate my own designs, which are inspired from a mixture of traditional Maori motifs (many of which are common to the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island), and countless hours paddling the coastlines of California, New Zealand, British Columbia and Vancouver Island.
When I finally made the leap to try carving myself more than 10 years ago, it came as a great surprise that the fine-motor skills, attention to detail and patience that had developed over years of Neuroscience research leant themselves extremely well to carving. I discovered an aptitude for transforming pieces of bone and ivory into fluid forms that would draw me back to the ocean and its surroundings. While largely self-taught, I have spent invaluable, although always too brief, moments with Master Carvers in New Zealand who are typically more than willing to share their experience and love of the art form with sincerely interested individuals. Hours of discussion about elements of design with my sister, Deanna Funk, an accomplished artist who specializes in clay, have also been incredibly formative. It was only through her encouragement that I began to sell my work in a gallery in Tofino (on the west coast of Vancouver Island) called The Cedar Corner Art Gallery. It closed several years ago and now I carve for myself, friends and family. It is with great pride that I go to climbing competitions with my son Andrew and daughter Alison and see my pieces around the necks of some of these amazing athletes and even their parents.
Due to popular demand, we created this website for more people to gain access to Greg's art. We hope you enjoy!
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