Artist Spotlight: Dean Hunt (Heiltsuk)

Both artistically and musically inclined, Heiltsuk artist Dean Hunt has explored a variety of media since we last featured him in our Winter 2008 Newsletter. At that time, he was partway through an apprenticeship with his brother, Shawn Hunt, and father, Bradley Hunt. Since then, we've seen some remarkable pieces including  a pair of hand-carved sterling silver Berry Picker earrings, a spectacular Mouse Woman cedar sculpture, and a vibrant, hand-painted Mouse Woman on canvas. Dean also explores the realm of music as a DJ and Music Producer, where he is known as dj deano.

Dean Hunt Acrylic Painting on Wood Panel, Sea Monster, 20" x 16", $750.00; Bumble Bee, 24" x 18". $900.00

Some of our favorite pieces by Dean are his playful acrylics on wood panels, which generally have given life to less common imagery in Northwest Coast art. His style is very geometric, bold and alive with color. The two images above represent a Sea Monster (left) and Bumble Bee (right). 

Dean Hunt, Sterling Silver Earrings, Berry Picker, 2 1/8" x 5/8", $400.00; Sterling Silver Bracelet, Robins, 1" x 6", $1,200.00

Dean's unique choice of imagery is also evident in his jewellery - from Mushrooms to Robins to Sparkling Raindrops. His pieces are crisp, thoughtful and beautifully executed. Come by the gallery to see a selection of Dean Hunt's pieces.

Congratulations to the 2011 Recipients of the BC Creative Achievement Award

Lattimer Gallery would like to congratulate the 2011 recipients of the British Columbia Creative Achievement Awards for First Nations' Art:






Sonny Assu, Kwakwaka'wakw, Vancouver
Stan Bevan, Tsimshian/Tahltan/Tlingit, Terrace
Vera Edmonds, Lil'wat, Mt. Currie
Shawn Hunt, Heilitsuk, Sechelt
Jay Simeon, Haida, Vancouver

Congratulations also to the 2011 recipient of the British Columbia Creative Lifetime Achievement Award for First Nations' Art:

Primrose Adams, Haida, Masset

These awards recognize the commitment made by First Nations artists in establishing themselves within the art community among their peers and creating an extensive, thoughtful body of work. They celebrate artistic excellence and highlight the cultural significance of the arts of the First Nations in British Columbia including, but not limited to, carving, weaving, beading, jewellery, photography, painting, masks, sculpture, stonework, print making, basket making and textiles.

Photo credit: http://bcachievement.com/firstnationsart/lifetime/recipients.php

Fall Exhibitions

This fall, there are plenty of shows and exhibitions featuring Northwest Coast artists and their works, both traditional and contemporary. Some are right here in Vancouver, and there are some nearby still, so if you have any spare time, it might be worth visiting a few.

Sonny Assu, Longing, West Vancouver Museum,
September 14th - November 5th
Artist will give a talk on October 19th, 7:00pm.
This installation uses wood stumps as sculpture, conceptually displayed as masks, and within photography to suggest an art and culture lost and displaced by colonialism.
Read a review from the Vancouver Sun here.

Shawn Hunt, Solo Exhibition, Blanket Gallery,
September 17th - October 15th
Curated by fellow artist Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun, this exhibition demonstrates Shawn's ability to break the rules and conventions of Northwest Coast Art.
Read a review from the Vancouver Sun here.

Robert Davidson, The Art of Robert Davidson, Western Gallery,
October 3rd - November 22nd, Bellingham, WA
In conjunction with the exhibition, there will be a public performance by the Rainbow Creek Dancers to Western Washington's University campus on October 21st, 7:30pm. You can purchase tickets for the event here.

Henry Hunt, K'ulut'a and the Professor, Legacy Art Gallery,
October 8th - November 26th, Victoria BC
This exhibition celebrates the art and legacy of Kwakwaka'wakw artist Henry Hunt K'ulut'a. It includes a number of Henry Hunt's masks, serigraphs and carvings from the significant collection of Dr. Peter Smart.

Image Detail: © Robert Davidson, Ravenous, 2003, Red Cedar and Acrylic Paint.