“Emerging from the dorsal fin of the killer whale, the frog appears—a symbol of new beginnings, transformation, and the arrival of spring. In many Northwest Coast traditions, the frog is a messenger between worlds, its voice awakening the land from slumber. This piece honours the quiet power of renewal, where the ocean’s strength meets the soft call of change, and the beginning of something new takes shape.”

-Steve Smith

Harmony: Creatures of the Northwest Coast
Exhibition Statement

“My journey as an artist began in 1988, when I started apprenticing with my father, Harris Smith – Lalkawilas. For about seven years, I worked closely under his guidance, absorbing the traditional forms and techniques he had mastered. When I eventually set out on my own, I was determined to take what I had learned and shape it into a style that was uniquely mine.

At first, I found myself creating pieces that closely mirrored my father's work. I soon realized that forging a distinct path wouldn’t be easy. Over time, I kept pushing myself to innovate—to evolve—and the process was slow and sometimes frustrating. Then, in 2013, everything changed.

That year, I underwent a life-altering surgery that shifted not only my personal life but also my relationship with art. It opened a new door—one filled with colour. Up until that point, I had worked mostly with red, black, and green. Suddenly, colour—vibrant, limitless colour—came into my life. At first, I didn’t know how to use it. But over time, it became an essential part of my work. I now use so many colours that I’ve lost count.

That change felt like a gift—something sacred—and I’ve been grateful ever since. Around that same time, I began incorporating coloured circles into almost all my paintings. These circles represent angels or light beings. Adding them became my way of honouring the light within all beings. It’s a reminder of the unseen connections that bind us.

Before humans arrived on the Pacific Northwest Coast, there was a natural order to life. The land, the sea, the sky—all lived in harmony. Every creature had a role, and when that balance tipped, nature always found a way to restore it.

In this exhibition, you’ll encounter animals from sea, land, and sky—each one painted in a bold, colourful, and contemporary style. Many of my pieces carry titles such Peace, Friendship, Harmony, Love, Oneness, and Happiness. I often reuse these titles—not out of repetition, but as an intentional reminder of what we’re all striving for. These are words of possibility, of hope, and of connection.

As human beings, I believe we all long for connection—to each other, to nature, and to something greater than ourselves. We need love, we need peace, and we seek happiness. My desire is to create artwork that speaks to these truths—work that is heartfelt, vibrant, and meaningful.

To me, each painting is a gift that moves through my hands for a short while, and then passes on to others. My hope is that my art brings a smile, lifts the spirit, and helps you remember—even for a moment—that we are all connected.”

-Steve Smith Dla'kwagila