Spring 2013 Newsletter

Our Spring 2013 Newsletter is now available online and in the gallery. Featured this season is Kwakwaka'wakw artist Richard Sumner, who is well-known for his beautifully made bentwood boxes. We also have new works by young Haida artists Jing (Rob Long) and Sgwaayaans (TJ Young), who are both apprenticing with renowned Haida artist Robert Davidson. Lastly, we are excited to announce a show featuring collaborative and individual pieces by Kwakwaka'wakw artists and brothers, Rod and Steve Smith. A reception will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2013 from 4pm-7pm to celebrate the opening and National Aboriginal Day- save the date!

Click here to read more from our Spring 2013 Newsletter.

Northwest Coast Native Bracelets: Variations in Sizes and Materials

John Brent Bennett, sterling silver bracelet, Dogfish, 1" x 7", $600.00 CAD

Bracelets have always been important potlatch gifts and are often symbols of rank. Prior to contact with European settlers, bracelets were made of dentalia shell, horn and copper, which was the only local and quarried metal at the time. When colonial activity increased, bracelets were made from gold and silver coins that were traded, hammered flat and cut to shape. This hammered and processed metal was then engraved with both figures for the market and traditional Northwest Coast Native crest symbols. These early coins are easy to identify because the metal is generally very thin and springy.

Today the most common materials used for engraved cuffs are sterling silver and 14k yellow gold. Some artists, such as Steve Smith, have also been expanding into other materials like maple and birch wood. While many of the designs and techniques are traditional, European jewellery techniques have now also been explored including stone-setting and repousse. 

Most of the bracelets that we carry in stock at the gallery are 6" in length. This length tends to fit most wrists, but can also be shaped and molded to fit a particular wrist. We are able to order custom sizes for wrists that are larger or smaller than 6" length.

Currently in the gallery, we have a wide selection of bracelets ranging in size from Justin Rivard's sterling silver baby bracelets (available for $120.00 CAD each) to larger 7" bracelets such as John Brent Bennett's Dogfish bracelet (available for $600.00 CAD).

New Steve Smith Hand-Painted Wood Jewellery

For everyone who has been wondering what Kwakwaka'wakw artist Steve Smith has been up to lately, we have his new, stylish wood jewellery for you to check out. Steve and his wife, Jenny, have cleverly combined small pieces of red and yellow cedar with fine silver and transformed them into a creative array of pendants, earrings and rings.

Evoking Steve's whimsical style found in his extensive body of work, this new line of jewellery ranges in price from $220.00 - $300.00 CAD and can be found on display here at the gallery.