Northwest Coast Native Panels

Large carved panels are a staple within the Northwest Coast Native art market, but they are a contemporary art form. Bentwood boxes, poles, and masks have long been created for both cultural and artistic purposes, but decorative panels only began emerging in the 1990s. One explanation for this development lies in the fact that paintings on paper and canvas, which are pervasive in conventional art galleries, are not common within the Northwest Coast market. Carved and painted panels are a fusion of traditions: wall-mounted compositions created through carving. From the traditional to the bright and modern, Lattimer Gallery has several outstanding panels right now:

Heiltsuk artist Dean Hunt’s Hzí (Frog) Bounce is a playful 36” diameter panel comprised of light and dark greens. Representing a frog in motion, the figure appears as though it could hop right out of the wood due to the depth Dean achieved by dropping all of the negative space down by ½”. This animated sculpture is available for $6,000.00 CAD.

Tsimshian/Cree artist Phil Gray’s rectangular red cedar panel depicting two killerwhales is titled Gestation and measures  48” x 24” x 1 ¾”. Representing a mother orca and newborn orca, this deeply-carved panel contains a great amount of movement and tension. Two human figures can also be seen within this clever composition. Phil’s panel is available for $8,000.00 CAD.

Haida artist Corey Bulpitt has carved a red cedar panel titled Skaana (Killerwhale) that strongly demonstrates his tendency to create designs that extend beyond strict formline composition. This piece contains all of the classic elements of a whale design in plain oiled cedar – the head, blowhole, tail flukes – yet the dorsal fin has been superimposed across the entire composition in black and red paint. Corey’s 36” round panel is available for $6,000.00 CAD.     

Kwakwaka’wakw artist Rande Cook’s Thunderbird panel contains elegant lines and fluid forms. The details within this 36” diameter panel are delightful. From the knife-finished bevelled edge to the carefully domed ovoids, this piece demonstrates Rande’s talent as both a carver and designer. Unlike many representations of the mythical Thunderbird, Rande’s appears serene with its closed beak, small horns, and tucked talon. Rande’s panel is available for $6,000.00 CAD.

2014 Charity Bentwood Box Event at Lattimer Gallery

At Lattimer Gallery, the past seven holiday seasons have begun with an exciting Charity Bentwood Box Silent Auction, with each year’s donations surpassing the last. What begins as a blank cedar bentwood box is transformed into a beautiful work of art, all in the name of charity. Three years ago, we were pleased to announce a three-year partnership with the Urban Native Youth Association, a Vancouver organization which has been providing 21 prevention-focused programs and services to Native youth since 1988. Last year, we decided to assign 100% of all donations from our charity auctions to UNYA for the foreseeable future. Last year was by far our most successful year to date, with $38,909 being raised for UNYA. As of 2013, we have raised over $100,000 for Aboriginal organizations through this one event and we hope that our customers and matching partners will continue to help support this worthy cause.

Between November 22nd and December 6th you will have the chance to bid on these one-of-a-kind pieces via phone, email, or in person. The boxes can be viewed on our website with their current accompanying bids. Participating artists include Reg Davidson (Haida), Phil Gray (Tsimshian/Cree), Dean Hunt (Heiltsuk), Shawn Hunt (Heiltsuk), Corrine Hunt (Kwakwaka’wakw/Tlingit), James Michels (Métis/Cree), Steve Smith (Kwakwaka’wakw), and Clint Work (Kwakwaka’wakw), among others.

Sneak Peek of the 2014 Charity Boxes

We invite you to take part in our exciting charity event this holiday season. Please join us for a reception concluding the final evening of bidding, December 6th, from 5pm to 8pm. The boxes will be on display and participating artists for our annual charity event will be in attendance. In addition, we will donate 10% of sales made on December 6th to UNYA.

2013 Charity Bentwood Box Results

This was another outstanding year for Lattimer Gallery's Annual Charity Bentwood Box Event. In its seventh year, this event benefits everyone involved: the charity that receives funds, the artists who are able to explore their creativity, and the gallery which is able to give back to the community.

James Michels' Phosphorescence

What begins as a blank cedar bentwood box is transformed into a beautiful work of art, all in the name of charity. Two years ago, in 2012, Lattimer Gallery was pleased to announce a three year partnership with Urban Native Youth Association, a Vancouver organization that has been providing 21 prevention-focused programs and services to Native Youth since 1988, to help meet their immediate and longer-term needs. 100% of all bids from this charity auction go to UNYA.

Shawn Hunt Raven and Light

As of 2012, Lattimer Gallery had raised $67,920 for charity through this one event. We shattered the 2012 amount raised this year. We raised $32,520 last year. And we raised $38,909 this year, thanks to all of the participating artists and generous customers who bid on these works of art, as well as the matching donors. Please find the final amounts raised per box below:

Jody Broomfield (Coast Salish) -$350.00
Corey Bulpitt (Haida) - $300.00
Joe Campbell (Coast Salish) - $900.00
Gus Cook (Kwakwaka'wakw) - $500.00
Phil Gray (Tsimshian/Cree) - $4,050.00
Landon Gunn (Kwakwaka'wakw/Metis) - $800.00
KC Hall (Heiltsuk) - $450.00 
Bradley Hunt (Heiltsuk) - $600.00
Dean Hunt (Heiltsuk) - $300.00
Shawn Hunt (Heiltsuk) - $6,100.00
Kwiaahwah Jones (Haida/Nisga'a) - $250.00
Cody Lecoy (Coast Salish) - $1,000.00
Sharifah Marsden (Anishinaabe) - $600.00
James Michels (Metis/Cree) - $1,600.00
Aaron Nelson-Moody (Coast Salish/Nuu-Chah-Nulth/Kwakwaka'wakw) - $500.00
Marie Oldfield (Haida/Tsimshian) -$350.00
Steve Smith (Kwakwaka'wakw) - $3,500.00
Nathan Wilson (Haisla) - $1,200.00
Clint Work (Kwakwaka'wakw) - $2,250.00

Our matching donors helped bump these numbers even higher. Matching donors included YVR - Vancouver Airport Authority, Vancity Credit Union, First Nations 101, Schmidt + Funk Financial Services, HUB International Insurance, Precision Graphics, Kent Picture Framing, Impark, Yukiko Matsu-Pissot, and Gaudier Cleaning Services.

With exposure through Global News, Preview Magazine, Where Magazine, and Urban Native Magazine this year, we were very happy to see our event being promoted across the country. We encourage you to bid in 2014 so we can continue to break records and help the Urban Native Youth Association.

Winter 2013 Newsletter

Featured in our Winter 2013 Newsletter is the Lattimer Gallery Annual Charity Bentwood Box Event. At Lattimer Gallery, the past six holiday seasons have begun with an exciting Charity Bentwood Box silent auction, with each year’s donations surpassing the last. What begins as a blank cedar bentwood box is transformed into a beautiful work of art, all in the name of charity. To date, Lattimer Gallery has raised a total of $67,920 for Aboriginal organizations through this one event. Artists for 2013 include Phil Gray (Cree/Tsimshian), Shawn Hunt (Heiltsuk), and Nathan Wilson (Haisla).

Lattimer Gallery Winter 2013 Newsletter

The Winter 2013 Newsletter also includes an article on the TINAA Northwest Coast Art Auction. On February 1st, the Sealaska Heritage Institute in Juneau, Alaska will be holding a large auction to raise funds for their new facility. This new landmark development will be called the Walter Soboleff Center and will house research labs, contain exhibition space, and provide climate-controlled storage areas for Alaska’s First Nations communities. 

Bradley Hunt Salmon People Panel

We have also included some information on a new piece to the gallery, The Salmon People cedar panel by Heiltsuk artist Bradley Hunt. Says Bradley, "This panel represents the sacred connection between us and the salmon. It symbolizes the spiritual and physical wealth that the salmon bring to our people." The panel measures 36" in diameter and is available for $5,800.00 CAD.

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