Susan Point

 

Susan Point

Susan Point

Susan Point is more than a catalyst for the revival of Coast Salish Native art, her work has become a contemporary art form in its own right. While incorporating the geometric designs and symbolic figures of her Native Heritage, Point has taken her work to a new level of subtlety and sophistication, enthusiastically embraced by the international art world.

Born on April 5, 1952, Susan’s home is part of the Musqueam First Nation Reservation in Vancouver, Canada. The Reservation incorporates her Coast Salish ancestral lands at the mouth of the Frazer River – a source of great inspiration for Susan’s work.

Although Coast Salish art had almost disappeared by the time Point launched her career in the early ’80’s, she chose to concentrate on the designs of her people, rather than the well-known designs of the Northern Natives. Considered sacred and deeply private, Salish art was rarely seen by outsiders.

Conducting research at the U.B.C. Museum of Anthropology, Susan began to investigate traditional Coast Salish art forms. Many of her images originate in the designs found on everyday Salish tools. In the 1990’s, Susan Point began creating monumental works in glass, bronze, wood, concrete and stainless steel, which have resulted in over 35 public art commissions. Her work welcomes visitors at the Vancouver International Airport and The Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of the American Indian, as well as many public and corporate buildings in Canada and U.S.

Point is a master at melding traditional and modern. Through her work, Susan continues to tell old stories to new audiences ­- of care and respect for the natural world.

 

 


Introducing Kelly Cannell

Kelly Cannell

Kelly Cannell

Born in 1982, Kelly Cannell is emerging as a prominent Coast Salish artist from the Musqueam Nation in Vancouver, BC. Since birth, Kelly has been exposed to Coast Salish art and culture. At the age of 12, Kelly began her art career with her first collaborative silk screen print. Kelly’s travels throughout the years have been the foundation of her inspiration. While familiar with many different mediums, Kelly has pursued her passion for glass, studying at Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington and The Glass Furnace in Istanbul, Turkey.

Constantly redefining her style and perspective, Kelly continues to challenge herself by expanding on traditional themes as well as pushing the boundaries of contemporary Coast Salish art. Kelly’s public works can been seen locally throughout the City ofVancouver: Granville at 70th Residential towers – 5 story glass/light sculptures, cast iron storm sewer covers (with Susan Point),
Canadian Broadcast Corporation (CBC) downtown office, Vancouver Community College – Broadway campus, Musqueam Community Centre and West Broadway – Stone medallion art.