Defining Each Other

ARTIST’S STATEMENT This rectangular Coast Salish design, depicting two raven heads above two Nuu-chah-nulth-style split u-forms, is a visual tribute to my Coast Salish contemporaries. As a contemporary Coast Salish artist, I study the works of my ancestors as well as the works of my Coast Salish contemporaries. I study the works of my ancestors to see where the art form was at in the past. I study the works of my Coast Salish contemporaries to see where the art form is currently at. I am the apprentice of my ancestors I am the apprentice of my contemporaries. In the history of Nuu-chah-nulth art, Nuu-chah-nulth art was also under-appreciated in comparison to northern and Kwa-kwa-ka-wakw art forms. Partially in response to this, Nuu-chah-nulth artists such as Joe David, Art Thompson, and Ron Hamilton studied "historical" Nuu-cha-nulth art together and collectively began to redefine their art tradition. This is an approach I take with contemporary Coast Salish art. Although I strive for an individual style and a distinctive voice and vision of Coast Salish art, I acknowledge that my work is influenced by other Coast Salish artists such as Chris Paul, Susan Point, Charles Elliott, John Marston, Maynard Johnny Jr., Shaun Peterson, Stuart Pagaduan, and Ed Joe. --lessLIE