Andy Wilbur Prints
Crane Helldiver and Sawbill
$1,400.00
SOLD AS A SET ONLY - BOTH PRINTS NUMBERED 96/160

Born in 1955 in Shelton, Washington, Andy Wilbur is a member of the Skokomish tribe, a group of Salish-speaking native people that lives on Hood Canal. As a teenager, he helped gather materials with two well-known basket makers, Louisa Pulsifer and Emily Miller. Through this experience, and inspired by a tour of a museum exhibiting Northwest Coast art, Andy began exploring the art in its various forms. In 1987 Andy graduated from Evergreen State College with a degree in Native American Studies. While there he worked with Makah artist, Greg Colfax on a 12’ female welcoming figure for the Evergreen State College. This project prompted his interest in researching Coast Salish style design and carving. He also studied Salish art pieces made by his great-grandfather, Henry Allen. Andy has taught both carving and painting classes over the years to people of all ages through various tribes and local schools.

Helldiver and Crane Story
Helldiver was married to crane. Sawbill was drifting down the river and Helldiver fell in love with him. Helldiver pretended she was sick. She said to crane, "Please go catch bullheads for me!" But when he went to catch them, crane’s legs would splash in the water and scare all the bullheads away. So he whittled his legs down and kept trying to catch bullheads, while his wife was having a good time with Sawbill. Crane had a fight with Kingfisher over his fishing ground. He stabbed Kingfisher under his wing, where there’s a red spot still. Kingfisher was mad, and told crane about his wife and Sawbill. Crane went home and rubbed hot coals on her head until her eyes turned red, as they still are. Then crane and Helldiver parted company.

Story told by Henry Allen