Naa'a (Killerwhale) by Erica Davis

Nisga'a/Heiltsuk artist Erica Davis is still relatively new to the Northwest Coast art scene, however her work has already impressed us with its confident, finely-tuned designs and a singular fusion of traditional formline with shapes and subjects drawn from nature. In her own words, Erica brings life to her creations as an act of resilience and expression of strength to encourage others as we walk the road of reconciliation. She hopes to focus on carving and sculpture in the near future.

Erica's latest print is Naa'a (Killerwhale), a beautiful classic Killerwhale design with an Erica Davis twist -- fireweed sprouting from the Whale's blowhole. Human faces fill its tail and underbelly, denoting the being's connection to the human world along with its status as a mother (Naa'a translates to Mom).

"Our women have been chosen by the Creator to be the portal between the spiritual realm and this physical realm. The only force on earth powerful enough to navigate unborn spirits onto the planet."

– author unknown, per Erica Davis