Edition /100
Available framed for $900 CAD, contact the gallery directly.
Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions.
Killer Whale is a common crest and being among many groups of the Northwest Coast, and one of the most prevalent depictions in the artwork. In some Haida oral traditions, Raven-Finned Killer Whale is a whale-chief and characterized by a Raven-headed dorsal fin. There are also Haida depictions of two-, three-, and even five-finned Killer Whales. It has been suggested that these supernatural figures may have originated from sightings of whale pods surfacing, with multiple dorsal fins visible above the water. Killer Whale’s familial bonds and skillfulness in teamwork can oftentimes lead to associations with communication, family, unity, and travel. Killer Whale is generally identified by a large ovoid eye, blowhole, dorsal fin, and tail flukes.
"This powerful, flowing and modern style design portrays Sgaana, The Killer Whale. We had a great visit before moving home to Haida Gwaii from Prince Rupert. While searching for Agates at our favourite beach, we spotted The Two Brothers, two Killer Whales, that frequently visit the Massett Inlet to the delight of onlookers. Their Dorsal Fins standing at least six feet tall, and the very appearance of them conjures in one, a sense of their great Power. It was as if they came to say, "Hello" to us. The design itself is very modern in nature and speaks of my understanding of this style. I like to change up my techniques, adding intrigue to my Artwork. The Red Line passing through the Design is what I call a "Power Stroke". This speaks of the killer whale itself, in essence, A Powerful inhabitant of the Sea."
