This artist is a member of the Squamish Nation which consists of descendants of the Coast Salish Aboriginal peoples, originating from the greater Vancouver area, Gibson’s Landing and Squamish River watershed. This young artist’s style is a blend of strong family Kwakwaka’wakw art styles, and unique personal taste towards contemporary inspirations. He is a member of a premier artistic family.

The Loon is a solitary bird of the wilderness that symbolizes tranquility, serenity and the reawakening of old hopes, wishes and dreams. The Loon relies on water and water is a symbol for dreams and multiple levels of consciousness, thus Loons teach us to follow our hopes, dreams and wishes. Thank you spiritsofthewestcoast.com.

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This artist is a member of the Squamish Nation which consists of descendants of the Coast Salish Aboriginal peoples, originating from the greater Vancouver area, Gibson’s Landing and Squamish River watershed. This young artist’s style is a blend of strong family Kwakwaka’wakw art styles, and unique personal taste towards contemporary inspirations. He is a member of a premier artistic family.

The Beaver in Native Northwest tradition teaches people to be productive and not limit their options. He teaches us to be persistent and to use available resources. The Beaver helps people understand the dynamics of teamwork and to appreciate each individual’s talents and contributions in order to accomplish anything. He is a builder of the mind, body, and soul and symbolizes creativity, creation, cooperation, persistence and harmony. The Beaver is also a hard worker and will not quit his job until he is done. Thank you spiritsofthewestcoast.com.

The post First Nations Beaver Wall Panel appeared first on Forest Gems Gallery.

This artist is a member of the Squamish Nation which consists of descendants of the Coast Salish Aboriginal peoples, originating from the greater Vancouver area, Gibson’s Landing and Squamish River watershed. This young artist’s style is a blend of strong family Kwakwaka’wakw art styles, and unique personal taste towards contemporary inspirations. He is a member of a premier artistic family.

The Native Bear Symbol represents strength, family, vitality courage and health. The bear is thoughtful and independent, with little need for fellowship. The bear is also self-contained and strong-willed in nature. A Bear is of great support and comfort to those who crave human company simply for personal reassurance rather than for the simple pleasure of being with friends. He makes lonely periods of life far easier. Thank you spiritsofthewestcoast.com.

The post First Nations Bear Wall Panel appeared first on Forest Gems Gallery.

The artists combine their strong roots together in their combined Cree and Coast Salish First Nations heritage traditions. Remarkable details combined with their passionate spirited forms have major impact. We are very proud to offer this creative and powerful piece.

First Nations have great respect for Wolves because of their connections. People and Wolves hunt, gather, defend and even educate their tribe or pack. The Wolf has always been respected as a very family-oriented animal because he mates for life, watches and protects his young until they are old enough to be independent and protects the elders. Hunters would carve or paint lightning snakes with the head of Wolves on their canoes in the belief that the hunting skills of the Wolves would help their hunting skills on the water.

Some First Nations people believe that wolves are the reincarnation of deceased hunters, and they are frequently impersonated at ceremonies as Wolves. If direction and purpose are lacking in life, when clarity and persistence are needed, the steadfast determination of the Wolf can overcome fear, indecision, and confusion. Healers often take the form of the Wolf in their ritual work. Wolves are fierce, loyal, independent and well able to offer support on the most challenging healing journey. Thank you spiritsofthewestcoast.com

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Stop by the gallery and check out John's unbelievable intarsia work in person!

Intarsia is a form of wood inlaying, like puzzle pieces. The start of the practice dates from before the seventh century AD. Intarsia actually predates ceramic mosaic work, but did not survive the ravages of time as well in the Old World. The technique of intarsia inlays sections of contrasting wood to form a design. The word intarsia may derive from the Latin word interserere (to insert).

While working for 30 years as a mechanical engineer in the pulp & paper industry, intarsia artist John Ness enjoyed spending his spare time in his workshop. He built anything from model airplanes to furniture. His mother’s side of the family was artistic with painters, stonemasons and woodcarvers amongst them.

John got started with intarsia work when he bought a gift for his in-laws and was greatly intrigued with the piece. It hangs on their living room wall, and every time John saw it he wanted to know more about this form of art. So he had to try it and discovered that he found his “calling”.

Each piece is individually crafted and finished by hand. John follows either stock patterns or patterns that he has designed himself. He carefully selects the wood to be used for each piece to highlight the features. He uses either a polyurethane or lacquer finish, depending on the woods, so no future maintenance should be required. No stains or dyes are used, all the colors are the natural color and grain of the wood.

Although John considers his intarsia work one of his favorite hobbies, we at Forest Gems see John as a professional artist and consider his intarsia work of the highest quality. We are very glad to have his pieces available in our gallery.

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Stop by the gallery and check out John's unbelievable intarsia work in person!

Intarsia is a form of wood inlaying, like puzzle pieces. The start of the practice dates from before the seventh century AD. Intarsia actually predates ceramic mosaic work, but did not survive the ravages of time as well in the Old World. The technique of intarsia inlays sections of contrasting wood to form a design. The word intarsia may derive from the Latin word interserere (to insert).

While working for 30 years as a mechanical engineer in the pulp & paper industry, intarsia artist John Ness enjoyed spending his spare time in his workshop. He built anything from model airplanes to furniture. His mother’s side of the family was artistic with painters, stonemasons and woodcarvers amongst them.

John got started with intarsia work when he bought a gift for his in-laws and was greatly intrigued with the piece. It hangs on their living room wall, and every time John saw it he wanted to know more about this form of art. So he had to try it and discovered that he found his “calling”.

Each piece is individually crafted and finished by hand. John follows either stock patterns or patterns that he has designed himself. He carefully selects the wood to be used for each piece to highlight the features. He uses either a polyurethane or lacquer finish, depending on the woods, so no future maintenance should be required. No stains or dyes are used, all the colors are the natural color and grain of the wood.

Although John considers his intarsia work one of his favorite hobbies, we at Forest Gems see John as a professional artist and consider his intarsia work of the highest quality. We are very glad to have his pieces available in our gallery.

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