Graceful First Nations jumping dolphin wall panel features the joyous vigor of the leaping dolphin highlighted with red and black. Measures 15 x 7 inches, priced at $285.

The artist is a member of the Kwakiutl (Kwakwaka’wakw) First Nation with part of her heritage connecting to the Coast Salish. She was born in Nanaimo, a small fishing town on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. She started carving under the guidance of her father, a master carver.

With over 20 years’ experience, she has now developed her own style, clearly showing the “female touch” and absolutely fantastic craftsmanship. She shows her love for the art of carving through her detailing and her clean and deep cuts. Strong lines and truly gorgeous expressions in her pieces of art.

She loves to step outside the traditional colors and using bold, vibrant and absolutely stunning designs from both cultures, the Kwakiutl as well as the Coast Salish.

She has become one of the best known female artists from the Northwest coast and is highly sought after by collectors world wide.

Restoring their ties to their land, culture and rights, the Kwakwaka’wakw have undertaken much in bringing back their customs, beliefs and language.

In contrast to most non-native societies, wealth and status were not determined by how much you had, but by how much you had to give away. This act of giving away your wealth was one of the main acts in a potlatch.

Potlatches occur more frequently now as families reconnect to their birthright, and the community uses language programs, classes and social events to restore the language.

The Dolphin in Legend and Lore

Dolphins (and Dall Porpoise) are associated with kindness, wisdom, happiness, and playfulness.  They are prudent, capable of deep emotion, and have a happy disposition. They have strong family bonds and have been known to rescue and defend each other, as well as other animals and people, from threats.