Blog
'What the Hell is This' Bentwood Box
Steve Smith has always embraced the unconventional. From the hand-painted Converse sneakers that he created in 2008 to the large installation that is now housed at Vancouver International Airport, Steve always creates pieces that follow the established aesthetic systems of Northwest Coast art yet reflect his innovative, playful style. We were not sure what to think of this most recent red and yellow cedar bentwood box that Steve brought us; that is, until he explained it to us. Composed of square ovoids, rectangular 'Salmon-Trouthead' elements and geometric (as opposed to dynamic) lines, Steve's What the Hell is This box is a far cry from traditional formline design.
Steve explained that this is what a bentwood box design might look like if someone - with zero knowledge of Northwest Coast formline or composition - attempted to copy his own unique style. Thus, Steve has created a self-referential Northwest Coast Native artwork that is both conceptually complex and humourous. This is why we always love seeing new pieces by Steve!
Posted on 6 March 2010 | 4:12 pm
'Bloodlines' Exhibition - March 5 to 14 - ECUAD
Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver is presenting an exhibition featuring works by the school's Aboriginal students. Displayed in the University's Concourse Gallery, this show has been curated by ECUAD students Zeb Zang and Tamara Skubovius and will be on display from March 5-14. Tamara won a YVR Art Foundation Scholarship in 2005. In 2008, she was selected as the YVR Emily Carr University Scholarship recipient. Peter Lattimer knows Tamara through the YVR Art Foundation because he sits on the Foundation Board, and Lattimer Gallery is proud to be promoting this upcoming show.
The official opening for the show is on March 8 at 5pm and everyone is invited.
Posted on 26 February 2010 | 1:49 pm
Gold Medal Winning 'Turtle and T-Bird' Helmet
We would like to congratulate Tsimshian/Cree artist and friend of the gallery, Phil Gray, for his recent Olympic helmet design. Phil designed the helmet for gold medal-winning Skeleton racer, Jon Montgomery.In September of 2009, members of the Olympic Skeleton Team consulted with British Columbian shaman Sandra Molendyk to receive some spiritual guidance, and to have their sleds blessed. During this consultation, Montgomery discovered that his spirit animal is the turtle. After Montgomery discovered this, he decided to commission a helmet from local First Nations artist, Phil Gray.
The helmet is black, with white formline design depicting both a turtle and two Thunderbirds, which symbolizes power and potency. Montgomery was holding Phil's helmet throughout the awards ceremony and Phil is extremely proud to have his helmet as part of such a historic Canadian event.As mentioned in our previous blog posting, Phil will be carving here at the gallery until February 28th.
Posted on 20 February 2010 | 1:27 pm
Olympic Artist Demonstrations
Northern Tutchone artist Richard Shorty and Tsimshian/Cree artist Phil Gray will be working at Lattimer Gallery during the Olympics. Richard will be painting at the gallery from Feb 12-Feb 17 and Phil will be carving a mask from Feb 19-Feb 28. This is a great opportunity for locals and visitors alike to see two established artists in action!Richard has been painting for over twenty years and is well-known in BC for his limited edition prints and originals. Born in Whitehorse, Richard has lived in Vancouver for much of his adult life.
Phil is a young and extremely talented painter, jeweller, print-maker, and wood-carver. Phil was recently included in two major exhibitions. The first was the 'Challenging Traditions' exhibition at Ontario's McMichael Gallery, a show that was dedicated to exploring innovative and experimental works from the Northwest Coast. The second was 'Continuum: Vision and Creativity on the Northwest Coast' at Vancouver's Bill Reid Gallery, which highlighted 23 established Aboriginal artists from BC, Washington State and Alaska.
Posted on 13 February 2010 | 12:58 pm
Four Host First Nations Pavillion
Amongst the numerous "houses" and "tents" that have popped up around the city in celebration of the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver is the Four Host First Nations Pavilion. Located at Georgia and Hamilton, near the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, the FHFN Pavilion is a distinctive globe-like structure that is the primary source for First Nations events and information during the Olympics. Highlights include:
February 14, 2010 – February 28, 2010
We Are Here
A daily multi-media experience presented by the Four Host First Nations.
>Six shows at 5:30pm, 6:00pm, 6:30pm, 7:00pm, 7:30pm and 8:00pm
February 16, 2010
Our Land, Our Nation, Our History
Presented by The Grand Council of the Crees and led by Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come and Deputy Grand Chief Ashley Iserhoff. Performers will present Cree songs, legends and storytelling according to the four seasons: Spring, Fruit of our Culture; Summer, Fruit of our People; Fall, Fruit of our Nation; Winter, Fruit of our Survival.
>Four shows at 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm and 2:00pm
February 20, 2010
The People Behind the Inukshuk
Presented by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. The Canadian Arctic will warm up the audience to a national Inuit performance that celebrates traditional Inuit throat singing, Western Arctic and Eastern Arctic styles of drum dancing and traditional Inuit games of agility and strength.
>Four shows at 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm and 2:00pm
February 14, 2010 – February 28, 2010
We Are Here
A daily multi-media experience presented by the Four Host First Nations.
>Six shows at 5:30pm, 6:00pm, 6:30pm, 7:00pm, 7:30pm and 8:00pm
February 16, 2010
Our Land, Our Nation, Our History
Presented by The Grand Council of the Crees and led by Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come and Deputy Grand Chief Ashley Iserhoff. Performers will present Cree songs, legends and storytelling according to the four seasons: Spring, Fruit of our Culture; Summer, Fruit of our People; Fall, Fruit of our Nation; Winter, Fruit of our Survival.
>Four shows at 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm and 2:00pm
February 20, 2010
The People Behind the Inukshuk
Presented by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. The Canadian Arctic will warm up the audience to a national Inuit performance that celebrates traditional Inuit throat singing, Western Arctic and Eastern Arctic styles of drum dancing and traditional Inuit games of agility and strength.
>Four shows at 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm and 2:00pm
Posted on 7 February 2010 | 5:19 pm
New MOA Book
UBC's Museum of Anthropology has published a new book featuring highlights from the collection. This publication has been created in celebration of MOA's $55.5 million expansion and renewal project, which was completed this month.The book is 192 pages with 160 colour illustrations, and it was edited by curators Carol Mayer and Anthony Shelton. Over 150 objects from the museum's collection are described, from Asian textiles to South American ceramics. Of course, the museum's Northwest Coast objects are the focus of this impressive publication. It is available for $40.00 from Lattimer Gallery.
Posted on 28 January 2010 | 2:02 pm
Robert Davidson 'Four Decades' Book
Robert Davidson's Four Decades: An Innocent Gesture provides a stunning overview of one of the most significant cultural projects in modern Canadian art history. Robert Davidson, as an emerging 22-year-old artist, carved and erected the first totem pole in Masset in over 100 years. Assisted by his younger brother, Reg Davidson, Robert carved the pole in the open and became the focal point for the community. He received feedback from elders on historical pole raisings, provided apprenticeships for younger artists, and began a process that led to a full-scale modern potlatch at the completion.Since this event, Robert has hosted many cultural events at great personal expense, time and research to both recreate historical traditions and to acknowledge contemporary issues, events and the contributions of individuals.
The book is self-published and includes personal and archival photographs documenting the event.
The book is self-published and includes personal and archival photographs documenting the event.
Every copy is signed by Robert, the book is 96 pages long, and they are available at Lattimer Gallery.
Posted on 16 January 2010 | 3:10 pm
Jody Broomfield Steinway & Sons Piano
Earlier this month, Coast Salish artist Jody Broomfield - in cooperation with Vancouver's Tom Lee Music and the BC Lions Society - unveiled a fully-painted Steinway & Sons classical concert piano titled Way of Our Ancestors. Similar to the Jay Simeon Kuniisii - Music and Mythology Steinway & Sons piano that was completed in June of 2009, Jody's will be played by various pianists from now until the spring - after the Olympics - when it will be auctioned off. Partial proceeds will go to the BC Lions Easter Seals Society. In describing his work, Jody states:
The top lid of the piano features the supernatural Thunderbird and also shows a human form on the chest area symbolizing creation and strength.
Beneath the lid are the four species of West Coast Salmon that return to the rivers and streams every year and remind us to never take more than what is needed, representing respect.
Around the sides of the piano flows the unpredictable Ocean which was the highway of our ancestors who traveled by sea-going canoe and characterizes courage.
And finally, the music desk shows the Human with hands held up at the sides expressing gratitude and appreciation.
The Way of Our Ancestors piano can be viewed at Tom Lee Music in downtown Vancouver. Call to confirm viewings for the public: (604) 685-8471
Lattimer Gallery currently has a spectacular panel by Jody, titled Munlas Sla'alum (Ruler of the Undersea):
Posted on 15 January 2010 | 1:21 pm
Museum of Anthropology at UBC - (re)Opening
Since 2008, UBC's Museum of Anthropology has been undertaking a $55.5 million expansion and renewal project, which has resulted in limited access to the Museum's collection. MOA has planned a three-day Celebration of Creativity to launch their renovated museum. Beginning on January 23, the festivities will include performances by First Nations dance groups, Cantonese opera demonstrations, and the premiere of Imprint, a specially commissioned interdisciplinary performance piece by Turning Point Ensemble, Owen Underhill and Henry Daniel.The project has consisted of the construction of a new wing, a replacement of the building envelope, and a redesigning of the visible storage area.
Check the Museum of Anthropology website for a detailed list of events during the Celebration of Creativity: http://www.moa.ubc.ca/events/
Posted on 5 January 2010 | 1:56 pm
Vancouver Art Gallery - Olympic Show
The Vancouver Art Gallery has announced that they will be presenting a special exhibition to run during the 2010 Olympic Games. The show will be titled Visions of British Columbia: A Landscape Manual and will be designed to promote artists from BC who are acclaimed on an international level. The show will continue on after the Olympics until April 18, 2010.Bill Reid and Brian Jungen are amongst the prominent First Nations artists featured. Other artists include Emily Carr, Jeff Wall and Stan Douglas.
Posted on 24 December 2009 | 7:56 pm
