For the 2017 limited edition Chain of Life reel, PEETZ is pleased to introduce “Bear and Salmon” – a total of 90 mahogany and brass reels hand-carved by renowned Kwagiulth artist and master carver Jason Henry Hunt.
PEETZ inaugural Artist Series reel design, the 2015 Circle of Life, inspired the concept of the Chain of Life for the Artist Series limited edition reels that followed. These annual reel designs focus on West Coast animal species that rely on healthy Pacific salmon stocks for their existence. Last year’s 2016 design was Jason Henry Hunt’s “Orca, Salmon & Moon”.
This year, in 2017, Jason has been hard at work on the next Chain of Life reel design. PEETZ is pleased to introduce “Bear & Salmon” where the Orca is represented as the primary totem.
“This year’s design has been the most exciting and challenging yet. We’ve gone through more concepts than ever before to land at this final design. A reel has very limited space, and you have to incorporate the knobs and spool into the design while also making it all flow,” said Mr. Hunt. “A bear spends so much time in hibernation that it’s like they live most of their lives in dreams, leading extraordinary lives during their long sleep. I wanted to incorporate that.”
This beautiful First Nations design is available as a limited release of 90 reels for PEETZ fans and West Coast art collectors worldwide. Each reel is individually hand carved using traditional tools, numbered and signed by Mr. Hunt.
Six additional reels have been commissioned as uniquely embellished “Artist’s Proofs”, and will not be available for sale; these special reels have been reserved to support the fundraising efforts of organizations focused on salmon conservation and habitat rehabilitation. PEETZ is pleased to report that last year’s 6 “Artist Proof” reels each raised between $2,500 – $6,000 at auction for salmon conservation.
For more details, visit: www.peetzoutdoors.com/collections/all/peetz-artist-series
About Jason Henry Hunt
Born in Victoria in 1973, Jason is the son of Kwaguilth carver and artist, Stanley Clifford Hunt. Following in the footsteps of his father and uncles, Tony Hunt and Richard Hunt, Jason has merged his trained indigenous artistic capabilities with a unique, recognizable style that is sought after by collectors worldwide.
Regarding his collaboration with PEETZ: “To know that every reel at PEETZ is handmade locally in small runs, that no two reels are exactly alike, and that the company has a legacy of over 90 years based on its enduring product quality is really appealing to me,” states Jason Hunt. “I’m excited about the creative, artistic, yet fully functional products that will evolve through our partnership.”
Dedicated to the values of old world craftsmanship, and favouring the use of hand tools to carve and finish his works, Jason creates signature pieces that range from totem poles and large scale panels to masks, paintings and jewelry.
Today, Jason is the youngest steward of a rich legacy of creativity that traces its roots from his father through his grandfather, Henry Hunt, to his great-grandfather, Mungo Martin (both widely credited with teaching many of today’s leading artists). Jason’s work explores the distinct culture and art form of the Kwagiulth people while reflecting the vibrant history and knowledge of generations of acclaimed artists. Visit www.jasonhenryhunt.com for more information about Jason and his works.
About PEETZ Outdoors
Founded by Boris Cecil Peetz in 1925, PEETZ Outdoors has been crafting high quality fishing reels, rods and tackle for generations of passionate West Coast fishermen. The Company is located at 2740 Rock Bay Avenue in Victoria, British Columbia and was owned and operated by Bill Hoosen from 1977 and in late 2014, Art Aylesworth, Marc Hoelscher and Shawn Aylesworth purchased the company.
PEETZ famous mahogany and brass reels are produced in limited numbers by hand using traditional methods. PEETZ continues to utilize many of the tools and jigs created by Boris Peetz nearly a century ago. To its knowledge, PEETZ Outdoors is the only remaining manufacturer of Nottingham-style wood reels in the world.
