ASTORIA — Jim Unwin, a master sculptor and wood carver from the Long Beach Peninsula, will be the featured artist at the Astoria Art Loft (106 3rd St.) Friday, March 2, through Tuesday, April 3. Meet Unwin and view his carvings 1 to 3 p.m. during this month’s Second Saturday Art Walk in Astoria.

Unwin turns chunks of wood into sculptures of rare beauty. For him, wood carving is not just a skill but a personal and spiritual journey. The wood, once a living thing, “communicates” with the sculptor and often determines the direction it wants the artist to go.

“Driftwood comes with shapes that tell a story and define who they are, with little or no alteration,” he said. He believes carving is a lesson in life, “to learn the balance between pushing in to make the right cut or pulling back.”

Unwin’s favorite subjects come from nature, especially ravens. “Ravens,” Unwin said, “are very intelligent and adaptable and have a special place in many cultures and their mythology.”

Unwin admires the Northwest Native style with its intricacies and tie-ins with nature. Understanding First Americans’ sensitivity about people copying their work, he said, “even though I am using that style and I borrow from the legends, I do my own thing. I try to make each piece a connection with the inner world — the place where the Spirit dwells within all of us and makes us connected.”

For more information, call 502-325-4442 or email atoriaartloft@gmail.com.