Mussel - Framed Limited Edition Print
Mussel - Framed Limited Edition Print
24 1/2" x 28" Framed
1977
Edition 78/100
In 1977, Nuu-chah-nulth artist Art Thompson created a series of prints based on sea creatures that both solidified his status as one of the top Indigenous artists in Canada and ushered in an era of modern Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka) design. Colloquially referred to as The Seafood Series, these five prints depicted sea creatures in a playful and unconventional manner. While they display the angularity and forms (such as the star, s-shape, and ovoid) found within traditional Nuu-chah-nulth artwork, they are asymmetrical and animated. Many of the prints that Art created were based on historical Nuu-chah-nulth formline design and subject matter, but The Seafood Series demonstrated his ability to produce something that was new and experimental while still being recognizably West Coast. Comprised of the Mussel, the Barnacle, the Clam, the Halibut, and the Cod Fish, this series represents the Coastal peoples' reverence for sea creatures and the sustenance they provide.
To the Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast, an excellent source of food is the orange flesh of the large mussels that cluster on the rocks of the open coast-line. In ancient times, the mussel shell was utilized for scrapers, knives, chisels and even whale hunting harpoon heads.
Art Thompson’s colourful print portrays, within the orange flesh of the mussel, a spirited creature whose hair becomes the fibres that secure this useful mollusk to the rock. A single blue wave denotes that the tide is in, and thus the mussel is seen with an outstretched tongue, feeding.
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Art Thompson
CULTURAL GROUP:
Nuu-chah-nulth (Ditidaht)
BORN:
1948 (d. 2003)
BIRTHPLACE:
Nitinaht Village of Whyac, BC
Art Thompson was largely a self-taught artist, but he did study with Nuu-chah-nulth artists Ron Hamilton and Joe David. From 1978 to 1981, he carved with Duane Pasco. Art studied commercial art at Camosun College in Victoria, BC, as well as at the Vancouver School of Art. He was greatly influenced by artists at the Gitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Indian Art at 'Ksan in Hazelton, BC. Art produced many works including silkscreen prints, masks, totem poles, jewellery, bentwood boxes, and ceremonial puppets. His media included silver and gold, wood, deer hide, acrylic paint, and pastels. Sea creatures were one of his favourite subjects, and many of his print images were drawn from drum heads. The design Our Beginnings was created as the logo for the 1997 North American Indigenous Games. He is considered to be one of the great Nuu-chah-nulth artists of the 20th century. Art passed away in 2003.
