Kwigwis Sea Eagle Mask - transforms!

An amazing piece of Coastal Art from Coastal Peoples in Vancouver. David Flatt was kind enough to demonstrate.

Kwigwis Sea Eagle Mask
Simon Dick
Kwakwakawakw Nation

Red Cedar wood, Cedar bark, Acrylic paint

Simon Dick, Kwakwakawakw Nation

Simon Dick is one of the premier artists of the Kwakwakawakw nation. He was born in Alert Bay on February 6, 1951 and is of Tsawataineuk Kwichsutaineuk descent from Gilford Island. Simon was raised in a small village in Kingcome Inlet, immersed in the traditional practices of Kwakwakawakw culture and is fluent in the Kwa-kwa-la language.
Simons life, philosophy and creativity is immersed in the old ways and entwined with the contemporary, lending vibrancy to Kwakwakawakw culture. Tutored by grandfather chiefs on both sides of his family he learned the original songs and dances that have belonged to his family for many generations. He spent a significant amount of time studying the language and music with the late Chief Sam Henderson. In 1983 he held his inaugural potlatch, bestowing him rank amongst the Kwakwakawakw people.

Simon Dick apprenticed under Tony Hunt Sr. for 4 years, at the Art of the Raven workshop in Victoria. Simon has also worked with the acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid in the carving of a 24-foot cedar canoe. In 1986 he designed and constructed a massive Thunderbird carving, measuring 40 feet high and 30 feet wide that cradled the amphitheater for the Canadian pavilion at the Worlds Fair Exposition in Vancouver, BC.

In the gradation of soft colors blending with bold lines and sharp forms, Simon creates works that are both fluid and powerful. The innovative carvings of Simon Dick command attention, blending traditional ways with a contemporary vision.

Simon continues today in the ways of his elders before him, taking on several apprentices and teaching them the ways of the First Peoples of this country.

In November of 2001, Coastal Peoples was delighted to have Simon participate in their highly anticipated exhibition entitled Spirits Transform, by contributing a much sought after original Tsonoqua Transformation.

Category:

Comedy

Tags:

• Costal
• Peoples
• Art
• Mask
• Kwigwis
• Simon
• Dick
• Kwakwakawakw
• Nation
• Pacific
• Northwest
• Vancouver
• 2010

[BigLaxFan1994]

This is sooooo cool! That's why I love Northwest coast masks and art ... transformation masks have moveable parts! That's way cool! Mind you, I love ANYTHING to do with ALL of Turtle Island's cultures. This is just one of the many unique ones out there! :D

[Contextcatcher]

"The innovative carvings of Simon Dick command attention, blending traditional ways with a contemporary vision".

Sound of a Raven?

Words can only be defined by words. It's like to uncover a mask finding another mask. We have always the urge 'to look behind it'. Especial when we, living beings, hear strange noises or reading odd words.

TNX for sharing this beautiful work of art. A Great discovery!