"To Hold What is Precious' brings together two vessel forms from my mixed heritage: the Northwest Coast bentwood box and ancient Greek amphora pottery. Both were created and used to hold and protect what was valued. Amphorae carried liquids like wine and olive oil, dry goods such as grains, and occasionally items for ritual or commemoration. Bentwood boxes historically served many purposes—some were even used as cooking vessels. They held food, tools, personal belongings, and ceremonial objects, and many of the traditional uses for bentwood boxes continue today. They remain items of cultural significance passed down through generations.

This piece merges Northwest Coast materials and design with influences from Greek red-figure pottery and the octopus imagery of the Minoan and Mycenaean eras. Across cultures, the octopus symbolizes intelligence, adaptability, and the capacity to hold and transform.

This piece is a reflection on what it means to hold anything of value with intention. The title reflects heritage as something we hold, carry, and care for, and honours UNYA’s work supporting Indigenous youth—tending to something profoundly precious while helping young people stay connected to their gifts, cultures, and communities."

-Rachel Smith