northwest coast art

Northwest Coast Art

“Northwest Coast Native art has always had the power to enthrall viewers. From the first explorers to the present day collector, highly graphic and inventive Indian designs have intrigued and sometimes mystified observers. Distinguished by sophistication and complexity, yet composed of simple traditional elements, Northwest Coast Indian art has become one of the most sought after contemporary art forms.

Although grouped together as “Northwest Coast” the work of the major cultural groups – Haida, Tlingit, Tsimpshian, Kwagiutl and Coast Salish – show many stylistic differences. All Northwest Coast native art, however, makes use of local cedar for masks, monumental art, wood carving, bentwood boxes and baskets. Magnificent totem poles and house posts have become emblematic of the Northwest Coast and tell stories of a rich, ancient native culture.

The same traditional form-line designs used on totem poles and masks are now employed on contemporary two-dimensional art. Serigraphs or silk-screens sold in limited editions have become one of the most popular forms of non-traditional, commercial Northwest Coast Native Indian art.

Coast Salish artist Susan Point’s works in glass, and Kwagiutl artists Richard and Stan Hunt’s bronzes have also stretched the boundaries of materials used by contemporary Northwest Coast tribal artists. As prominent Haida artist Robert Davidson has said: “The only way tradition can be carried on is to keep inventing new things.”

“Eagle Helmet” by Tom Hunt

Eagle Helmet 23 x 10 x 10 Tom Hunt, northwest coast art sculpture

“Eagle Helmet” by Tom Hunt
23 x 10 x 10″ – Sold

“Fool’s Mask” by Tony Hunt Jr.

Fool's Mask 9x15x11 Tony Hunt Jr., wood sculpture mask, northwest coast

“Fool’s Mask” by Tony Hunt Jr.
9 x15 x11 – $4,500

“Salish Sea Box” by Andy Wilbur Peterson – alt view

 

“Salish Sea Box” by Andy Wilbur Peterson
8″ x 12″ x 8″ – Alt view

“Jumping Salmon” by Ron Aleck

Ron Aleck 7w x 10h Jumping Salmon, northwest coast art carving

“Jumping Salmon” by Ron Aleck
7″w x 10″h – Sold

“Double Fin Orca” by Andy Wilbur

Double Fin Orca 20h x 30w Andy Wilbur Peterson northwest coast art

“Double Fin Orca” by Andy Wilbur
20″h x 30″w – Sold

“Hummingbird” by Ron Aleck

hummingbird wood carving painted with with northwest art

“Hummingbird” by Ron Aleck
5″w x 3″h – Sold

“Orca Panel” by Andy Wilbur

Andy Wilbur 30 x 20 Orca Panel

“Orca Panel” by Andy Wilbur
30″w x 20″h – $1,600

Private Residence – Cedar Mask2

 

cedar raven masks northwest coast art

“Baxbakualanuxsiwae”cedar mask by Beau Dick, creates a colorful and baroque center of interest amidst the neutral tones of the home’s interior. In the background a stained cedar sliding panel custom designed by Rande Cook, covers an entertainment center. The Gallery serves as a liaison with acclaimed Native artists, like Rande Cook, to commission specialized pieces and offer unique design solutions.

Private Residence – Salmon Run2

salmon run wood carving cedar panel large scale wall hanging

“Salmon Run” cedar panel custom designed by Rande Cook. Salmon swimming towards the front door welcome those who enter the home and symbolize abundance. Rande is a master at designing pieces of the right scale for challenging architectural spaces.