Posted by Elaine Her LOTM Husband on January 20, 1998 at 14:36:22:
A couple of things of interest..............
Regarding Eric's carvings; they will be different from one another, not all Bird Man Spirit Masks. Of course, if someone wanted that one in particular, then that's the one Eric would carve for them. We will have a color photo of the mask and a couple of Eric up no later than Sunday, ok???? Let me tell you all, the mask is beautiful! You'll love it! (And, yes............. you'll love the photos of Eric!)
A few people have asked about Eric's relationship with Vern Etzerza. They have known each other a long time and are very, very good friends. The carving venture grew out of that relationship. You can see Vern's work from a link on Eric's page.
As for soapstone; while many Alaskan artisans do carve from soapstone, these works are generally smaller animal figures. Soapstone is more difficult to work with but the primary quality that precludes its use in a mask is its weight. The spirit masks are large and would be impossibly heavy if they were carved from soapstone. Imagine wearing such a heavy object and trying to move around!
Eric is definitely still pursuing his acting career. The carvings are simply another area of interest, one that Eric intends to continue as well. Yes, he is into art!
Lastly, we've arranged to do an interview with Eric Schweig very soon. We'll incorporate your questions into the interview as best we can.
Eric has been extremely gracious and pleasant and is very excited about the spirit masks. If anyone is seriously interested in purchasing a mask, please let us know. As I've said, they will be different from one another. If there is a specific request, however, for a particular mask, such as the Bird Man Spirit Mask, then Eric will accommodate your request.
Okay...........now, Heeeeeeeere's Rich! (Whattya know? A duet!) - E
The matter of the interview poses a dilemma for me personally. You see, there's the little matter of that old interview we have posted elsewhere on our site with Eric ... the one I took some exception to. It is apparent to me, that the Eric Schweig we have recently conversed with, has come a long way from the guy who said some of the things in that interview. Plus, besides Eric & LOTM, we'd like to give him the opportunity to discuss his love of carving. In fairness, I believe the best thing to do would be to replace that interview, with its commentary by yours truly, with the one we are about to do. That was interesting, but this one is now. So, hope no one objects (I think I hear a cheer or two coming from somewhere!), and if you want to save a copy, please do so soon, as it won't be there much longer.
Does that sound fair? - R