Dzunukwa and Octopus - Sterling Silver Pendant
Dzunukwa and Octopus - Sterling Silver Pendant
Octopus represents transformation. Commonly referred to as Devilfish, the Octopus is a secondary crest figure but is central to many myths along the Northwest Coast. The Octopus has close links to shamanism and transformation symbolism due to its ability to change colour and shape.
Gus Cook
CULTURAL GROUP:
Kwakwaka'wakw
BORN:
February 28, 1982
BIRTHPLACE:
Alert Bay, BC
Gus Cook has been mentoring with Kwakwaka’wakw artist Rande Cook since 2011, working in copper, and using chasing and repoussé techniques. In August of 2012, Gus was commissioned through Lattimer Gallery to complete a large copper repoussé panel for an international mining company. In 2017, Gus had his first solo exhibition at Steinbrueck Gallery in Seattle. In 2019, he was featured in the landmark publication Understanding Northwest Coast Indigenous Jewelry by author Alex Dawkins. The process of repoussé involves pressing a series of punches of different shapes and sizes into the underside of a piece of metal, giving the front of the piece a three-dimensional quality. This meticulous form of metalwork is then refined on the front side with chasing techniques.
