Sweetness - Bentwood Chest
Sweetness - Bentwood Chest
6" x 8 3/4" x 5"
Red and yellow cedar, hand-painted with acrylic.
Artist Statement: This piece (and a few others in the show) was inspired from an experience that I had when I had a recent surgery. When I finally did come to from the anesthetic, there was this overwhelming sense of peace and kindness and loving presence that I felt. I felt that there were angels around me when I woke up. There are round circles on some of the pieces and they are to represent angels or light beings, mystical things that we sometimes only get a glimpse of every so often. This box is a reminder of all of the sweetness in life. When I sit and think about it, I tear up from an overwhelming sense of gratitude for being. How sweet it is!- Steve Smith DLA'KWAGILA
Steve Smith
CULTURAL GROUP:
Wuikinuxv/Kwakwaka'wakw
BORN:
May 12, 1968
BIRTHPLACE:
Vancouver, BC
Steve Smith (Dla'kwagila) has been carving and painting since 1987. He was taught by his father, late Kwakwaka'wakw artist Harris Smith (Lalkawilas). Steve has also worked with his brother, established Kwakwaka'wakw artist Rod Smith. His pieces include original paintings, sculptures, masks, limited edition prints, etched glass, totem poles, and drums. In 2002, Steve completed an 8-foot pole in collaboration with his father and brother, and they finished the pole here at Lattimer Gallery. Steve's distinctive work has been featured in several major exhibitions throughout North America, and his work has been purchased by collectors around the world. In 2005, Steve was featured in the Changing Hands: Art Without Reservation 2 exhibition that opened at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, NY. In 2006, Steve created two public works for the City of Vancouver's Spirit Bears in the City project. In 2007, his work was included in the Burke Museum's In the Spirit of Our Ancestors exhibition in Seattle, WA. In 2008, Steve received two major commissions for works to be placed in the Vancouver International Airport. These monumental installations were completed in early 2010. In 2009, Steve was included in the Challenging Traditions exhibition at Ontario's McMichael Gallery, a show that was dedicated to exploring innovative and experimental works from the Northwest Coast. In 2013, Steve and his brother were featured in an exhibition titled Collaboration & Contrast at Lattimer Gallery. Steve's work is always evolving, and he is always experimenting with form, colour, and symbolism.
