ALL ISLANDS’ ART SHOW

Haida Gwaii Museum at Kaay Llnagaay Heritage Centre

February 19 – March 19, 2016

Welcome to the 2016 All Islands’ Art Show!

The All Islands’ Art Show is an annual event held to showcase the visual artists of Haida Gwaii. The adjudicated show is hosted by the Haida Gwaii Arts Council in cooperation with the Haida Gwaii Museum. The show welcomes artists working in a diversity of media and provides the community with an opportunity to appreciate local talent.

Exhibit Coordinator Allison SmithArt Show Adjudicator Richard TetraultHaida Gwaii Museum Scott Marsden & Angela Ransom Dedicated Volunteers Nancy Hett, Robin Poser, Joseph Crawford, Beng Favreau, Sheila Karrow, Debbie Gardiner, HG Arts Council & many more!

THANK YOUto our generous sponsors for making the

2016 AIAS possible!

2016 Artist Statements

Goota AshoonaInuit Fisherman with KakivakWhale bone & antlerNFS

I am 3rd generation Inuit artist living in Sandspit. Fishing was a big part of my life growing up on Baffin Island, and I’ve fallen in love with fishing here on Haida Gwaii. This sculpture is made from gifted materials from the community…. Nakomay.

Emily BaggalegRebirthAcrylic, pencil & multimedia$130

I tend to start most of my art, this one included, without planning too much so I can enjoy mistakes instead of becoming frustrated by them. I enjoy using multiple mediums in a particular piece; this one is a pencil and charcoal drawing that I apply to canvas then paint around with acrylic. To me it represents birth and death, the woman is a strong person challenging the world to try and tear her down while holding a lotus in skeletal hands, lotuses grow in dank swamps only to become beautiful flowers representing the overcoming of obstacles.

Jennifer BaileyExercise #2AcrylicNFS

My work Exercise #2 is a rumination on acrylic painting technique, hope and family. The lines and muscle of orcas moving in their natural environment and the strong cohesive structure of orca families was a very soothing subject for me, whilst working on acrylic paint techniques. I offer the simple peace of seeing an orca family move together through their world, while reflecting on my own family and the work we have done to achieve our own simple goals and pleasures living on Haida Gwaii.

Sarah BarnharatWest Coast WaveOil$250

I was inspired by Haida Gwaii’s beauty from the moment I arrived here 12 years ago. It continues to do so everyday. Finding time to paint somewhere in between kids, work and life is a challenge, but I love it. You can check out more of my “work” on my Facebook page Nadu Studio.

Jay BellisJahlk’iiErmine fur, eagle claws, wool, thigh spun warp, & threadNFS

William BellisRepousse Moon WomenRepousse silver abalone turquoise pin back$1000

Rolf BettnerDastektonikschiffInkjet$299.99

Paul BironRaven Gifting Our LightAcrylic NFS

I wanted to paint our creation story. I feel the word steal, and idea of raven being trickster, has some negative aspects in today society. In my painting, I would like to portray a positive interpretation of the raven. We are all connected to the creator, and we need to 'share our light to the world' and 'not hold it in'.

Alexa BlackMy Old SoulMixed mediaPlease inquire

My work is that of weaving dreamtime, nature, mysticism, ancient medicines, and secrets of the path unseen together through mixed media. This elder represents serene beauty, balanced by the wisdoms of natural and super natural powers. I incorporate the relics, bones and treasures that I’ve been gifted to by the earth into my work. The bird is honoured by displaying its ability to rise up and be free to fly to the greatest heights of consciousness. The Sage and Pearly Everlasting are intoxicatingly aromatic plants that ward of negative energies. The Chumash people used the leaves of Pearly Everlasting in times of famine to suppress the appetite, ensuring that there was enough food for the elders and children. This denotes the value of preserving and honouring the wisdom of ancient cultures stored within elders to be passed on. Lunaria seedpods hang over her like old charms. Symbolizing the moonlight that enchants the true self in the dark.

Katie BorserioHaawa Kilslaay (Thank you Chief)Stoneware, glaze, acrylic stain, & framed in birchNFS

Living on Haida Gwaii we are all blessed with an abundance of great food from sea, forest, and garden. I am so thankful for family and friends who generously share their bounty with me. The inspiration for this piece grew out of my gratitude to Sid who always generously gifts me with sea food…crab included! So Haawa Kilslaay!

Cathy CampJoan JettsamFound & recycled material: Styrofoam Mannequin Torso, recycled tiles, grout, broken china & glassNFS

I am a crafter, mosaic artist and painter of mostly found objects. Recycling and repurposing is always my starting point. The collecting of found objects is just as important to me as the process of placing them together to create a piece that will become visually interesting, perhaps functional and more than likely have a good measure of whimsy. Joan ‘rocked and rolled’ her way onto North Beach, along with all the other flotsam and jetsam. Respecting the fact that she had possibly survived a long journey I decided she would be fun to breathe some new life into. With a couple of patches here, some mosaic pieces there, and lots of sass – I hope I managed to “Put Another Dime in (her) Jukebox, BABY.”

Elizabeth CardellModMixed medium, styrofoam, needle and wet feltingNFS

The idea of “Mod” was inspired by a needle felting workshop and encouraged by friends who watched her develop before their eyes. “Mod” gave me the opportunity to try something entirely different from anything I had done before. Huge thanks goes out to Sun Studio for sponsoring a workshop by Holman Wang. Possibilities offered by this combination of materials are only limited by the imagination.

Kayoko DaugertChickadee FriendsWatercolour$390

Chickadees are shy. Last winter, I sat with paper and paint to work on a scenic view. But a little chickadee said, “me first!” So one chickadee emerged from brush and paint – then 2, then 3. People have told me of their encounters with birdies – chickadees, wrens, kinglets – and with birds not so little. This image doesn’t try to capture any one story. It is to call in mind memories of feathered friends flitting and chittering close. I wish I could have depicted the people with less definition! Ah well, another time.

John DaviesCommonplace TowelStitchingNFS

I wish to acknowledge the people in India who made the towel, and my wife who threaded my needle.

Dolores DavisSunrise in TanuStripe quilting with appliqueNFS

I created this piece when I had good vision. I loved to do all types of art, crafts, woodworking, weaving, needlework, pottery etc. I now have a vision problem, so I am limited as to what I can create now. I have found a device which will help me see much more clearly. It is very costly and I am in the process of raising funds for it. I want my creative life back! I am also willing to show when the time comes.

Laura Dutheil-GreeneSea Otter Eating Urchins In Kelp Silver carved bracelet$450

The Sea Otter is a keystone species in the living world of it’s habitat. Keeping balance in it’s survival with eating urchins and living amongst our giant bull kelp beds. The kelp helps anchor the sea otter while grazing on shell fish. Carving this image in silver becomes a water world of reflections allowing for light to shimmer off the sea otter’s vibrant life forms. A sculptural kelp display for the silver carving creates an inspirational prop for the artist to share as a dimensional extension.

Lexi ForbesBlackberry MoonBeads on batik$30

Fran FowlerInlet LowtideTraditional rug hooking & recycled materials$200 * Proceeds donated to Operation Refugee Haida Gwaii

Inlet Low Tide..Burlap, cotton, yarn. Tradition rug hooking style, using burlap backing, recycled t-shirts, hand cut, with additional synthetic yarn. Replicating the views of the Inlet, in case it disappears. Hand made frame, local yew wood made by Michel Crevier.

Lindsay GalbraithExperimenting With Watercolour / Experimenting With SalmonWatercolour, ink, pencil, & gessoNFS

My mom uses watercolour to paint landscapes of southwestern Ontario, so I prefer drawing and political subjects. I put down my pens 15 years ago to pursue a career that allows me to see my artistic subjects in a new way. Last year, I started Experimenting With Watercolour, producing salmon and other values I defend in my work. The text in this piece is from a 2015 report predicting changes to the Skeena River estuary if the Pacific Northwest LNG project is built; it is being used to decide if Canada will Experiment With Salmon, and the Tsimshian people that coexist in this exceptional place.

Debra GardinerIsaiah’s GiftAcrylic NFS

Mary took this photograph of Isaiah when he was gifted a head dress by Cliff Jones. The joy and pride lit up his face and Mary captured the moment perfectly.

Lillian GibbardMs. JonesColoured pencilNFS

I was researching the work of Keith Haring for art class when I came across a picture of Grace Jones being painted on by Keith himself. I loved the strong confidence of her stance, the contrast between her dark skin and white lines, and the bright pop of red. So I decided to recreate the photo, without the artist mid brushstroke in the background that is.

Shoshannah GreeneKaagan Jaad (Mouse Woman)WatercolourNFS

Shoshannah Greene was born and raised on Haida Gwaii, She was adopted into the Cumshewa Eagle Clan and given the Haida name SGid Gang.xaal, meaning wild rose. Shoshannah loves to share stories and express her thoughts visually. Watching local carvers, she focused on making art and took local workshops, translating her impressions of nature on paper. She pursued the study of Media Arts majoring in Animation at Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Today, her work focuses on combining hand drawn animation with watercolour backgrounds, centering on the Super Naturals within Haida culture.

Xyáahl guúláas (Colleen Williams)Kwa tsístaáNaxiinNFS

Xyáahl guúlaás hin uu dii kya.aang. My name is likes to dance. I have been weaving for 30 years or so in cedar, spruce, raven’s tail and recently learned Naxiin.Kwa’ tsistáa is the blow hole at Tow Hill. The killer whale has come to me in my dreams and they also escorted us out on our canoe journey to Bella Bella. The killer whale has inspired me to do this piece. All elements of Tow Hill are represented with the face of Tow Hill and the dorsal fin of the whale with the blow hole on the bottom representing the water. The feathers are the white caps with red handles to hold things together. The fur of the ermine show the wealth of this place. The killer whale has come close to me and this is my honour to him. How’aa Creator.

Aileen HansNew LifeAcrylic $175

I was inspired to start using my artistic abilities when I was in high school and started with designing blankets, dance regalia and clothing. I am taking a fine arts program right now with Ben Davidson. We have been doing drills in the morning to get warmed up. Drawing ovoids with an inner ovoid, with attached U form. What inspired me to do this painting is doing the salmon trout head drill. I am excited to learn more from Ben Davidson.

Nancy HettTree of LifeGlazed stoneware$120

This piece was inspired by a Mexican “Tree of Life”. The Tree of Life is often made in the form of a candelabra, but it is sometimes made in the form of a jar. It is covered with symbols that are significant to the maker, and decorated with bright acrylic paint. I have chosen images that are important to me and to the islands. The colors I have chosen are the more subdued palate of the stoneware potter.

Kristine HoneymanGwaii HaanasAcrylic$60

In the summer of 2007, I arrived on Haida Gwaii. It has been a wondrous time, since then. Inspiration is everywhere, land, sea, sky, and people. The medium of choice is acrylic. I enjoy sculpting with the paint, making it play. From a young age, I have taken please in may forms of art, through high school to university. I resided in Masset.

Cacilia HonischMasset Inlet with HeronWatercolour$200

I love nature and like to take pictures with my camera. I think digital photography is the greatest invention in this country. Watercolour is what I like to be able to master and try not to get too frustrated with the process.

Sandra KennedyNorth Coast Snow Shoe

Mixed mediaNFS

Most of my projects start when I find something eye-catching - my magpie-like tendency to pick up anything unusual or interesting – the bead-like shark vertebrae, the angular mustelid vertebrae and the sand-sourced parallel cedar branches. With the raw materials at hand, eventually a lightning strike of inspiration will allow me to merge the individual items into a single whole.

Roberta KennedyTow Hill ReflectionsFelted wool$285

I grew up climbing Tow Hill. When I was little I remember there wasn’t a clear path to the top. I was scared on parts of that trail. Last year I recall I was flying south for storytelling work I do on occasion. I looked out my window and I saw Tow Hill, and burst into tears. It was so beautiful. I was only going away for a week, and I knew I was returning soon. I realized at that moment that I love Haida Gwaii with all of my heart.

Katherine KeroackOld Growth and New Life.Watercolour NFS

Art is not fun for me. It’s not soothing or calming, but stressful and frustrating. Yet every once in a while I get this urge to create something beautiful and I have to follow through with it. If you looked at all the pieces I’ve made, you probably wouldn’t know that they were made by the same person. I’ve worked with oil on canvas, Charcoal, water colours, acrylic, colour pencils, and ink – with children pulling at my legs most of the time! Somehow, I always seem to amaze myself at what I can create.

Jill Kolodka

Moss and AgatePhotograph on wood block mount$85

This piece was inspired by beach combing, spring and a love for gardening. I collected the wild succulents and moss off the beach and forests in Queen Charlotte. I added an agate to make the arrangement complete.

Bob KussyJourney to Haida GwaiiMixed medium: Grey Whale Bone, Copper, Mammoth Ivory, Walrus Ivory, Bowhead Whale Baleen, Baffin Island Serpentine Soapstone, Mother of Pearl, Argillite, Amber, Husk Ox Horn, Narwhale Tusk, Deer Teeth, Salmon Teeth, Beluga Whale Teeth, Coral, Glass BeadsNFS

My practice is focused on whalebone carving, mentoring younger artists, and delivering residency programs for visiting artists from around the world. My Sandspit studio experience has been very satisfying. Generally, I try to interpret and present marine and oceanic topics in new ways. Creating a sculpture like this required some very unusual materials. I am debted and grateful to many island residence who shared… Whalebone, antlers, coral and other interesting materials for use in my studio. Their generosity was instrumental in what happened in the studio when the boat was being made, and has permitted me to share studio space with local artists and visiting carvers. Such gifted materials demonstrate what can and does happen in the studios of Haida Gwaii with strong community support.

Miyako LaidlawMisty MorningWater Colour$150

I love watercolour 's subtlety of shade. Nature provides us with beauty and pleasure. This is one of the early morning moments when air is cool and tranquil, before the mist evaporates.

Kimberley Larocque

Jelly MagicPen & ink$250

I was inspired by a pen and ink piece at last years All Islands’ Art Show to pick up my pens and create again. It has been a wonderful reunion with the process of creating images that make me happy. When I create my pen and ink images I lose myself for hours in the precise and detailed process. I start with a rough pencil sketch outlining an image I want to create and then begin filling in the open space dot-by-dot, circle-by-circle, line-by-line. I am always surprised by the way an image I am creating morphs into something that I had not consciously mapped out but more from my unplanned movement of pen and hand. This is what I love about pen and ink work. The contrast between a technique that is controlled, precise and repetitive and a creative journey that is unplanned and wide open to any number of outcomes.

Donald LeechCrucifixtion #2Oil pastel, watercolour, & pencil$5000

Time is but a myth; but that would be toooo lucky and asking for far too much. You know; the Freudian trinity thing.

Marlene LiddleForest Meets OceanRed & yellow cedar, imitation abalone$1800

Jack LitrellReposePigment ink of rag paper$625

Once animate, but now inanimate objects yield to the advance of nature.

Tarynn Jane Lloyd Favourite ThingsRed cedar$130

My name is Tarynn Lloyd and I am a visual artists living in Masset, BC. I work with a variety of mediums for my illustrations though ceramics is my main focus. In my practice, the interpretations of my inner and outer worlds fuse with the making of functional art. I am inspired by the natural world and the small secrets it holds for our daily lives. The micro and macrocosmic spectrums of my environment manifest as textures, symbols, and images. With this expression of my conscious, experiential knowledge, comes the accessibility of personal interpretation by the beholder.

Alexander MacDonaldPananimaLight-jet print of a photograph$300

We yearn, each person. Our most basic authentic calling is to Unite. The more to which we feel deeply connected, the richer our life experience. Please refuse to settle for other than your Heart’s desire. Please believe you, and each person, has something of value to offer, and is worthy to receive. All My Relations. AHAM

Kayleigh MadoreHalibut biteAcrylic & ink$415

Ron Mckee

Sand Sculpture, Jungle BeachSelenium toned, & silver gelatine print NFS

“A photographer seeks intimacy with the world then endeavors to share it. Inherent in that desire is a love of humanity.” Barry Lopez

Helen McPheeGecko BraceletSilverNFS

Balinese people believe geckos are a sign of good luck and it’s true; at least it sure has been for me! I lived in Bali in 2014. My husband was working and I needed to find a creative outlet for myself. Luckily I found Wayan Sunarta, a gifted Balinese silversmith, who offered silver classes in his traditional family home. I went there often to make jewelry. I was lucky to return to Bali twice in 2015 and again took silver classes with Wayan. I made this gecko bracelet on my last trip; the ever present gecko inspired me.

Kai MeibaumKnifeBladesmith & leatherwork$1150

Creating a knife that melds functionality and art mirrors my way of honouring the materials found while traveling on my sailboat and exploring the shorelines. The majority of beach treasures find a place in my Artwork. In this particular piece I combined leather, steel, silver and ivory with sperm whale tooth, black bear tooth, money tuck (shell) and Arctic Fox tooth. All animals, but especially sea mammals, fascinate and inspire me with their intelligence, ability to communicate and their ease and agility in a world of water. I hope to share this sense of respect and admiration in my Artwork with you.

Merlin Naylor

Olson’s AxeForged & salvaged materialNFS

Darrell OikeCoronula Diadema – The HitchhikerCeramic$1300

This piece is a reproduction of the species of barnacle that attaches to humpback whales. The barnacle that I used for a model was about 1 ¾ inches in diameter. This piece is part of an ongoing investigation into the incredible architecture, design and symmetry in nature; in this case in an animal that most of us are not familiar with and will never see up close.

Lorelee ParkerCHAIRMANOil on canvasNFS

I like to draw people from acute angles in large scales, but I have felt frustrated when I’ve tried in various ways to make permanent pieces out of lines on paper. Now, thanks to Gwaii Trust, Benita, Bets and their oil painting workshop with Nicola Wheston, I draw to design paintings. It’s wonderful to feel purpose again behind lines that had grown fussy.

Sandra PriceOctober 1, 2015 Hand-painted, quilted cottonNFS

Using only paint, brush & pen, and a single piece of fabric -- with no ruler or cutting tools -- I made this quilt on the theme of “Time”. I set aside my usual process of quilting: pages of journal entries edited into poems, the poems hand-embroidered onto cloth, dozens of pieces of printed cloth auditioned for precise story-telling shapes, and “mistakes” corrected. I was challenged by Maiwa workshop teacher Susan Shie and assisted by a Gwaii Trust travel to trust myself to consolidate 74 years of living into a single day of art making. I am pleased with the result. * Use ends of dowels to rotate quilt for easier reading.

Angela RansomNo Ferry TodayAcrylic & mixed medium$285

Spending the last three winters on Haida Gwaii, you get used to the wild winds and surging seas. Which often leads to the ferry cancellations. It’s part of what it means living remotely in these supernatural misty isles. Those big surging, frothy waves were the inspiration for this painting. Through the use of acrylic and mixed medium, I wanted to build texture and substance to give one the feeling of the water being whipped up by the elemental energy of an oncoming storm.

James ReidHeyPencil crayonNFS

At a surface level this piece plays with symbols and these can be read at different levels, if you choose to read them at all. It plays with how we view materials. The choice of pencil crayons ties to the content but also to a conversation of whether a piece is a painting or a drawing, fine art or not.

Penny RichardsonIsland ViewDryer lint & white glue$125

As always these islands present with an unlimited source of inspiration…One is able to go to any one place/spot/location, planned or random, and whether it be mountain shore, forest, dune, meadow on the water, the inspiration is simply waiting. As is the peace, and fullness of the space.

Janet RiggLeftOil on canvas $230

Injury inspired me to paint when my left hand. Creative physiotherapy, as it were. It was a fascinating and challenging process. Even mixing colours was a challenge. But the result was strangely pleasing. My brush strokes are more fluid; I had to allow the paint to be as it wanted, to speak for itself. Something once so familiar, the act of painting, was moved to the unfamiliar, a constant battle against my dominant impulse. But as I worked, the movements became easier, my brain and body adjusting to this new orientation. Left is about adaptability, recovery, about fighting for change and regrowth.

Alexandra RinfretThe Beginning of Winter

Wool felt with thread & buttons$200

I like to play with shapes and colors, and I like the super-soft fuzziness of felt. I like to sew everything by hand, and I like the sewing process to be sort of physically challenging, so I started off with a large piece of material. I wanted there to be an animal, but it’s not exactly a real-life animal, it’s an imagined creature. It takes a long time to sew like this. I spent many hours listening to the wind and watching the ocean while I was working on it.

Tanisha SalomonsGuugadiis – Thimbleberries Beads$180

Benita SaundersA December Dawn Pastel$1200The light in the winter sky can be very dramatic. With pastels, it is possible to capture some of the extreme contrasts.

Jason ShaftoWinter Wind Study #2

Photograph – Giclee on Canvas$485

I tend toward images that I feel are true to their photographic foundation, as well as mine. Focusing strongly on an in-camera workflow, creating photographs with an intriguing meld of realism and abstraction has become a signature of my creative style. Winter Wind Study # 2 is a product of my ongoing pursuit to express the winds of Haida Gwaii in my photographic imagery. The multiple technical challenges of working beside the ocean in the wind and rain make successes few and far between. With the employment of new techniques, this piece worked out exceptionally well.

Kara SievewrightHerring BallPen and ink on watercolour paper$250

I am interested in exploring narratives, the interplay between images and text, and in adapting stories to different media including comics, books, illustrations, and websites. Thematically my work often explores the interactions and sometimes the conflict between human and non-human environments. This piece is inspired by the herring in Skidegate Inlet over the winter.

John Timothy Smith

Downtown Sangan Saturday Night #2Oil on Board$850

In 1966, I took lessons from an inspired artist who introduced me to the freedom of the visionary. Even then, in the centre of the continent, I was drawn to the wild western edge. I intend to represent the residue of my travels and the essence of my community. I came to Haida Gwaii in 1993 at the urging of Emily Carr. What a place to live!

Manzanita SnowThe Lilies Of ForgivenessAcrylic on canvas $375

The Lilies of Forgiveness grow wherever peace is sought or even glimpsed. Here they sway on one of Heaven’s pathways. Often they emit a heady fragrance in a field of fear or a heart of despair.

Marlene SpechtPine in Evening LightWatercolour and Ink$250

I am interested in textures of bark and foliage, and the changing effects of light and shadow.

Captain Stewart – BurtonNirvana

Red cedar & acrylic NFS

Hello! My name is Captain Stewart – Burton. My Haida name is Skilaaw, translated this means “ wealth spirit”. I am a newly emerging Haida artist from Old Masset. I am from the Stastaas Eagle Clan. My chief is Tiidunsuu (James Hart). When I had the idea to create “Nirvana” in my mind I wanted to create a picture capturing a moment of paradise here on Haida Gwaii. This piece was a collaboration with the lovely abstract / landscape artist Myranda Storm Corkum. The wonderful landscape painting was done by Myranda. The carving and painting of the sun and the humming bird was my doing. The piece captures a humming bird enjoying the rose of life on what to us was a perfect picture of Haida Gwaii on an ideal day. If you enjoy the process you will always be happy with the outcome! Haaw’a Saalaanaa!

Kiki Van der HeidenInletAcrylic on canvas$450

I’m grateful for the abundance of inspiration in the outer world. We are blessed to live in such a dynamic landscape; our views are ever changing, tides coming and going, clouds moving in and out of the sky, storms come and go. It is an endless source of inspiration as I find the outer world often reflects my inner world and vice versa: feelings and emotions come and go, thoughts move in and out of our awareness. One definition of Inlet is ‘a place or means of entry’. As the title of my piece it reflects both the literal description of the view, as well as ‘letting in’ of another dimension and awareness.

Kelly Vogstad

THIS WAY OR THAT WAY?Acrylic with crayon$100 *Proceeds donated to Operation Refugee Haida Gwaii

My name is Kelly Vogstad and I live on Haida Gwaii. I love painting even though not well. I love the peace and the therapeutic time loss that it brings. This abstract painting is called “THIS WAY OR THAT WAY?” I couldn’t decide which way I liked it better, so it can be hung different ways and each way something else can be seem! What do you see?

Robert VogstadEagle & Raven FusionAcrylic on canvasNFS

My intent is to fuse chromatic colours into the space of positive & negative form-lines of Haida art. There is no story here other than a visual expression of colours and shapes overlapping translucent colours onto opaque colours! This is a personal challenge for myself to master the brush as well the form-lines. I like the challenge of a controlled brush along with a free stroke forming images that manifest the visual identity of the “Eagle & Raven Fusion!”

Karen WalhoutFlower of LifeAcrylic & watercolorNFS

The sacred geometry of the Flower (or seed) of Life is an ancient power symbol. It represents manifestation, growth, connectedness and interrelationship. In it lies the mathematics of creation: this is what we all looked like in our mothers wombs’ when our cells first started to multiply. Send your prayers with this symbol and watch your world transform.

Maureen Weddell Peaceful Garden

FabricNFS

Of all of the kinds of gardens and landscapes that are human designed, the oriental garden is my favorite. The thoughtful plantings of flowers and trees, the placing of statuary, a peaceful pond all invite you to slow down, take in your surroundings, to breathe.This piece is a reminder to myself to take the time to enjoy the garden that is my life. As always my medium is fabric, sometimes it tells me where it wants to be placed and I have learned to listen.

Maryanne WettlauferHaida Gwaii HeartbeatOil $700

I am a visual artist who moved to Masset 2006. Most often my paintings depict landscape defined by the dramatic forces of nature on Haida Gwaii. The canvas I entered into this exhibit is entitled "Haida Gwaii Heartbeat". It came about after loosing my Mom last year and feeling a bit lost and generally off the rails. I approached this canvas with no agenda to create a finished painting, it represents a reconnection with the sensual self indulgent process of mixing and pushing paint, a search for joy, a journey back to the pleasure of my daily practice... expressing Haida Gwaii.

Jenny WhiteThey Danced By the Light of the MoonBatik PieceNFS

I took the art share course this past summer. It was an inspirational experience for me. Working with hot wax, the dyes, the blending of colours, and pulling the piece from the dye bath brought unanticipated new images. I especially enjoyed working with the tjanting (wax pen) which helped me define and use line to find the image I was creating.

Rose Geraldine WilliamsFly, Amanita

Acrylic NFS

Bob Ross once said, “we don’t make mistakes just happy little accidents”, which is essentially how the majority of this painting came to be. Originally, there wasn’t supposed to be a tree in the corner or a forest in the back ground. That bird was a mistake, and I didn’t intend for the skunk cabbage to appear. If I were anymore deceiving I would tell you I knew exactly what I was doing – but that’s not the truth and I’m not (usually) a liar. After a year of “happy little accidents”, I have successfully created my first canvas painting.

Bert WilsonScaanasAcrylic on cotton paper$100

Unexpected Piece. Male-female.

Noel WottenTaan at DawnOil NFS

This painting honours a new day for the beautiful, unique Haida Gwaii Black Bear, the largest in the world. A sad part of Tlell’s recent history was a horrible bear hunting lodge where people were brought here from all over the world to kill our bears from some sick idea of sport. After much protesting, we have the Haida Gwaii Bear guiding business brought to an end. I strived to capture in oils the light of a late fall morning on the Mamin River, with bear and cub out looking for breakfast.

Erika YahgujaanasAcrylic

$100

Sylvia YoungRed & yellow cedarNFS