Eric Schweig on Learning Totem Pole Carving from Gerry Sheena

A Conversation About Apprenticeship, Humility, and Learning Through Art

Learning Through Apprenticeship

In this Friends United conversation, Eric Schweig reflects on what it means to begin again as a learner. Although he is known as an actor, mask carver, writer, and knife maker, Eric speaks about approaching totem pole carving with humility and respect for Gerry Sheena’s experience.

The conversation begins with carving knives made for Gerry Sheena and Darren McKenzie, using 1095 steel shaped for their carving work. From there, Rolf Bouman and Eric move into a deeper reflection on apprenticeship: sweeping floors, listening carefully, repeating basic tasks, and learning from someone who has spent decades mastering a craft.

Respecting the Person Who Knows

Eric describes apprenticeship as a practice of listening. For him, the lesson is simple: when someone knows how to do something well, the learner’s role is to show up, pay attention, and follow the process. He connects this approach to other disciplines, including martial arts and traditional sword-making, where commitment is shown through repetition long before a person is trusted with more advanced work.

This makes the conversation more than a short video about carving. It becomes a reflection on humility, discipline, patience, and the value of being guided by people who carry deep knowledge.

Friends United as a Place of Learning

The conversation also shows Friends United as a place where artists, carvers, mentors, and young people can learn from one another. Rolf speaks about Eric’s wider story, including his creative work, his difficult childhood, and the hope his life story can offer to children and teenagers.

Eric also speaks about wanting to continue learning from Gerry Sheena and becoming more involved in future totem pole carving projects, including the Wolf Mother totem pole and future carving work at Friends United.