Name/Title
HummingbirdEntry/Object ID
2018.03.07Description
Print
This image depicts a hummingbird, with its body elegantly curved, wings and tail outstretched showcasing its long curved bill, perfectly designed to sip the nectar from deep inside trumpet-shaped flowers. Known as hummingbirds because of the audible humming sound created by their beating wings they are recognized as the most talented of all birds in flight. These tiny birds have many specialized communications and metabolic characteristics to enable rapid, maneuverable flight, adaptations to high altitude and long-distance migration.
This hummingbird is portrayed in "formline", a Pacific Northwest Coast First Nations art form distinguished by the use of characteristic shapes, such as ovoids, U forms and trigons used for figure outlines, design elements and composition. In traditional formline, the main design elements are black, and the secondary elements are red. This First Nations art form was based on structured design traditions; however, regional characteristics reflecting style, complexity and colour variances evolved over time.
Note: The term "formline", first used by art historian Bill Holm in his 1965 book "Northwest Coast Indian Art: An Analysis of Form", is still in common use by artists and educators today. See: Bill Holm, “Northwest Coast Indian Art: An Analysis of Form” 50th Anniversary Edition (Seattle: University of Washington Press, 2014).Artwork Details
Medium
Screenprint on paperSubject Place
Region
Pacific NorthwestContinent
North AmericaContext
The hummingbird, known as "Sah Sen", is one of the important symbols in Pacific Northwest Coast art. The hummingbird with its grace and energy, teaches you to appreciate and love the miracle of living and to help you focus on the positivity in your life. These birds are often seen as joyful messengers and healers, also symbolizing friendship and playfulness, and is a sign of good luck. Hummingbirds can have different meanings across First Nations tribes and families although it is always a positive sign to see Sah Sen prior to any major event.
Found only in North and South America, there are 338 species of hummingbirds, of which we see five in B.C. - the Rufous, Anna's, Calliope, Black-chinned and occasionally the Ruby-throated. The Rufous has one of the longest migrations among all birds, traveling twice per year between the Pacific Northwest rainforests and Mexico, a distance of some 6,000 km. Sadly, many hummingbird populations are threatened and waning, and the Rufous and the Calliope are deemed to be in significant decline.Made/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Adrian Xavier SampareRole
ArtistDate made
2012Time Period
21st CenturyNotes
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Born in Hazelton, B.C., Adrian Xavier Sampare, is a Canadian First Nations Gitx'san artist and carver, Reggae musician and since 2010 an art teacher in Victoria, B.C. He is of the Wolf Clan from the village of Glen Vowell, and learned First Nations art from the age of seven from professional artists. After moving to Victoria he has continued his self-studies of Gitx'san and 'Ksan style art. The celebrated Gitx'san artist and hereditary chief Walter Harris OC (1931-2009) is credited with the development of the unique "Ksan style of Northwest Coast Art” based on Gitx'san culture and history. Note: 'Ksan is the the Gitx'san name for the Skeena River.
Sampare blends traditional and contemporary design in his Northwest Coast work. In addition to carving in wood and soapstone, he also does wildlife illustrations and landscapes in graphite, and he created a large mural at his Victoria school.
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The Gitx'san, “People of the River Mist,” live along the Skeena River in northwestern B.C. The Nisg̱a’a, Gitx'san and Tsimshian people have been collectively referred to as “Tsimshian.” These First Nations share many traditions and their languages are closely related.
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The famed 'Ksan School or Kitanmax (or Gitanmaax) School of Northwest Coast Indian Art, located in the reconstructed historical village of 'Ksan at the confluence of the Bulkley and Skeena Rivers in the community of Hazelton, was formally founded in 1970 as part of the 'Ksan Cultural and Educational Centre development. The School offered a four-year program dedicated to the teaching of native art traditions and skills in wood carving and more. Many well-established Northwest Coast artists had their beginnings at the 'Ksan School, whose doors unfortunately closed after forty years in 2010 due largely to financial and educational instability. The 'Ksan School and its dedication to the revitalization of traditional Northwest Coast art forms played a key role in the renaissance of these arts and their recognition as fine art, as well as the achievement of other not inconsiderable business, cross-cultural and community successes. Especially in its earlier years, the School produced a number of fine artists whose style, legacy and influence continues to resonate today.Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
Signature, DateLocation
Signed and dated lower left in pencil: Adrian Sampare '12Dimensions
Dimension Description
SupportHeight
25.4 cmWidth
20.3 cm
