When considering the media of fine art, a white plastic pail doesn't readily come to mind. But the working definition of what is considered fine art has become more broad with the expansion of emerging artists trying to break free of a constricting mold. The concept of elaborately decorated pieces used in everyday life such as bentwood boxes, button blankets and masks, has been tradition within Northwest Coast cultural production. So when Kwakwaka'wakw artist Clinton Work decided to hand-carve a white plastic bucket, which is a 
utilitarian object, it made perfect sense.Clint titles the piece Clamming Bucket Circa 2011, a clever description of a useful modern day object. The outside of the bucket is intricately carved, creating depth within the piece and leaving the bucket looking luminescent. The bottom of the bucket is carved with four symmetrical human faces where the water and sand in a clamming bucket would be filtered. The rim of the pail is adorned with hand-woven red cedar bark, red felt and hand-carved plastic buttons.
This exceptionally creative piece is part of Silver, our 25th Anniversary Show. It measures 14 1/2" x 12" and is available for $4,200.00 CAD. Come down to the gallery and take a look at what Clint and all the other amazing artists have created - the show is on display until June 30, 2011.
Lynda Gray, member of the Tsimshian Nation from Lax Kw'alaams and Executive Director of the Urban Native Youth Association, will be celebrating the launch of her new book First Nations 101. First Nations 101 is an informative primer on the diverse and complex realities of First Nations people. This book touches on over 70 subjects including feminism, youth, urbanization, residential schools and more which provides readers with a better understanding of the shared history of First Nations and non-First Nations people. Copies of the book are available for $20.00 CAD at Lattimer Gallery.
The launch will commence on Monday, June 27, 2011 at Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre on 1607 East Hastings Street. The reception begins at 5:30pm and Lynda Gray will be signing copies of First Nations 101 from 7:45pm-8:00pm.
Joining Lynda will be Xalek/Sekyu Siyam/Chief Ian Campbell, Squamish Nation, Christine Smith, co-chair, Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Executive Council and Lak Kxeen Dance Group.
SILVER: Celebrating 25 Years, featuring a display of 25 works by 25 artists to commemorate Lattimer Gallery's 25th anniversary specializing in Northwest Coast Native art. Lattimer Gallery has released a comprehensive catalogue to accompany this exhibition. Many of the pieces were commissioned for the show, from jewellery and sculptures to paintings and basketry. Silver will contain a diverse selection of works by John Alexander (Gitksan), Beau Dick (Kwakwaka'wakw), Phil Gray (Tsimshian/Cree), Landon Gunn (Kwakwaka'wakw/Metis), Francis Horne Sr. (Coast Salish), Rob Long Jing (Haida), Sharifah Marsden (Ojibwa), James Michels (Metis/Cree), Corey Moraes (Tsimshian), Norval Morrisseau (Ojibwa), Earl Muldon (Gitksan), Daphne Odjig (Ojibwa), Marie Oldfield (Haida/Tsimshian), Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas (Haida), Jay Simeon (Haida/Blackfoot), Rod Smith Galuyagmi (Kwakwaka'wakw), Steve Smith Dla'kwagila (Kwakwaka'wakw), Kelvin Thompson (Ojibwa/Saulteaux/Haisla), Nathan Wilson (Haisla) and Clint Work (Kwakwaka'wakw). Special thanks to Leona Lattimer, the artists, our customers, friends and family, and of course our staff in helping us achieve a successful 25 years of business. Edited by Peter Lattimer; Design and layout by Cissy Chan; Photography by Lara Hill; Text edited by Cissy Chan, Erin Ramsay and Jada Tellier.
When considering the media of fine art, a white plastic pail doesn't readily come to mind. But the working definition of what is considered fine art has become more broad with the expansion of emerging artists trying to break free of a constricting mold. The concept of elaborately decorated pieces used in everyday life such as bentwood boxes, button blankets and masks, has been tradition within Northwest Coast cultural production. So when Kwakwaka'wakw artist Clinton Work decided to hand-carve a white plastic bucket, which is a 
