Northwest Coast Carved & Painted Cedar Salmon Sculpture
~ Lyle Wilson ~
Native American - Haisla - Northern Kwakuitl
~ please scroll down for more photos and information ~SIZE:
Length - 24” (61 - 8.5” (22 - 1.5” (4 cm)DESCRIPTION:
Large and fine Northwest Coast carved and painted cedar wood sculpture of a salmon by important
First Nations - Canadian - British Columbian artist, Lyle Wilson (1955 - ).
Signed and dated on the back, carved into the wood; “L. WILSON ’77”
This is an early and rare piece by this well-listed, famous Native American artist, created when he was just 22 years old. The piece is hand-carved from a single thick piece of native cedar wood and the details are beautifully painted. The carved details of the life-giving Salmon are finely composed in the traditional Northwest Coast style, but with the very modern, streamlined look that Wilson is famous for. The lines are graceful and soothing and the red, green and black paints, along with the natural color of the wood, give the impression of a full range palette.
NOTE: There is a wealth of information concerning this artist and his sculpture and paintings on the internet. Just google \"Lyle Wilson Northwest Coast\".AGE: Vintage, made in 1977. CONDITION:
Good condition, as shown in the photos and with the following noted: No losses or repairs. Light overall wear. Tacks and wire affixed to reverse for hanging. Beautiful old patina to the exposed wood surfaces.
Lyle Wilson
(1955 - )Carver, Printmaker, Painter, Jeweler. Lyle Wilson is a Haisla artist from Kitamaat Village; which is near townsite of Kitamaat, British Columbia, Canada. The Haisla people are often referred to as Northern Kwakuitl, however their historic artistic style is, mainly, influenced by the Kwakuitl, Tsimshian, Bella Bella and Bella Coola. The name Kitamaat means “People of the Snow” - referring to the large amount of snow there. Tsimshian guests who visited the Haisla in mid-winter arrived to see people emerging from big houses that were completely buried by the snow. Thus, the name Kitamaat was given to the Haisla.
The Haisla Clan system is matrilineal and, although he was born into the Beaver Clan, Lyle was formally adopted into his father’s Eagle Clan.
Lyle was always aware of, and appreciative of Haisla art after seeing a few old carvings at village events. His first artistic influence was his uncle Sam, a full time carver who carved at the time when everyone assumed Pacific Northwest Coast carving was consigned to the past. Lyle watched him and occasionally whittled the best of his ability. He did not pursue art as a possible profession until he attended the University of British Columbia. At this time he enrolled, and completed 5 years of the N.I.T.E.P. and Art Education programs. He found time in the studio more compelling and eventually pursued his artistic interests at the Emily Carr College of Art and Design. He graduated with a Print-Making Diploma and began to develop his individual artistic style. This style has its roots in graphics but the concepts learned from all his life experiences, including his formal education, is to be seen in his three dimensional works in wood and jewelry.
Lyle also prefers working by himself, believing that the individual personality shows itself in the finished work, thus he is reluctant to involve others in his artistic projects unless absolutely necessary. Even his larger carving are mostly his own efforts.
Lyle is one of the few Pacific Northwest Coast artist to have an extensive formal, post-secondary education. He considers himself a life-long student and carver who has numerous areas that enrich the way he looks at the world and, by extension, the work he produces.Selected Group & Solo Exhibitions
2009: “Challenging Traditions : Contemporary First Nations Art of the Northwest Coast”
McMichael Museum of Canadian Art, Ontario
2009: “North Star : The Art of Lyle Wilson” Solo Show, West Vancouver Musuem, West Vancouver, BC.
2004: “Totems to Turquoise” American Museum of Natural History, New York
1999: “Arrows of the Spirit” Mengei International Museum, San Diego, California
1997: “Redefining Tradition: A Selection of First Nations Artist and Their Work”
Whatcom Museum, Washington1990: “Painted Drums of the Northwest Coast” Inuit Gallery, Vancouver, BC
1989 – 1991: “When Worlds Collide” Solo Show which opened in Vancouver at the Museum of Anthropology at University of British Columbia;
exhibition then travelled to the Kitimat Centennial Museum, Kwagiulth Museum, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Edmonton Art Gallery, Woodland Cultural Centre,
Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Nickels Art Museum, Steiacoom Tribal Cultural Centre, Castlegar Native Education Centre.
1989: “Masks: An Exhibition of Northwest Coast Native Masks” Inuit Gallery, Vancouver, BC
1989: “First Nations Art of the Oceans” Exhibit at the Canada – Japan Bilatreal Symposium, Vancouver, BC
1989: “Beyond the Revival: Contemporary Northwest Native Art” Charles H. Scott Gallery, Vancouver, BC
1988: “The Transforming Image: Painted Arts of the Northwest Coast” Museum of Anthropology at UBC, Vancouver, BC
1981: “Native American Arts ’81” Philbrook Art Centre, Tulsa, OklahomaPublic Commissions
2007: “Orca Chief” ~ 19 ft painted aluminum wall sculpture at the Vancouver International Airport, Vancouver, BC
1999: “Killer Whale” “Dance for the First Catch” & “Coast Scene” ~ 9 ft. canvas screens at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, Vancouver, BC1995: “The Paddler” ~ 10 ft. red cedar totem pole sculpture at the BC Sports Hall of Fame, Vancouver, BC
1994: “Eagle, Fish & Beaver” ~ 12 ft. red cedar totem pole sculpture, Canadian Consulate, Osaka, Japan
1993: 1) “Noomis, The Blind Man” “The Loon” “Salmon” “Salmon” “Grizzly Bear” ~ 5 high relief carved, yellow cedar panels
at the Canadian Institute for the Blind, Vancouver, BC
1992: “Grizzly Bear Dancer” ~ Motor animated transformation mask with costume for BC Pavilion Expo 1992, Seville, Spain
~ Now on display at the University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC.
1992: “Eagle & Beaver” ~ 12 ft. Red Cedar house-post sculpture at the UBC First Nations House of Learning, Vancouver, BCCollections
Royal British Columbia Museum
Museum of Anthropology at University of British Columbia
Whatcomb Museum, Bellingham, Washington
First Nations House of Learning
Vancouver Art Gallery
Vancouver International Airport
Burnaby Art Gallery
Toronto Dominion Bank
Canada Council Art Bank
West Vancouver Museum
Canadian Institute For The Blind
Kitimat Centennial Museum
Kitamaat Village Council
~ please click on image for high definition photos ~
This piece will be a museum quality addition to any collection of Canadian First Nations or Native American Art and will display beautifully in any Mid Century Modern, Eames Era, Ethnographic, or Arts and Crafts decor. PLEASE NOTE :
The low opening offer, with , does not indicate the actual monetary value of the piece. Our sales are structured this way to encourage offerding and to allow the final sale price to be determined by the buyers. This object comes from a smoke-free, pet-free environment and it will be carefully packed and shipped for quick and safe arrival to its new owner.
Please look carefully at all the photographs to view the details and condition of the piece. Please e-mail with any questions ... we always respond quickly!
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