Name/Title
Orca PaddleEntry/Object ID
2023.09.02Description
Sculpture
Hand-carved and painted sculptural wooden paddle with an orca design in blue acrylic, commissioned by the Union Club of B.C.
The orca paddle is done 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. This First Nations art system is unique in that it is based on a structured and traditional set of rules and principles that govern how a design is organized and presented. However, regional characteristics reflecting variances in composition, complexity and colour have evolved over time.Type of Sculpture
Free StandingArtwork Details
Medium
Paint on yellow cedarSubject
Orcas, also called killer whales, have been a symbol of the Pacific Northwest Coast for thousands of years. They are an important part of the culture of many First Nations peoples - their belief systems, symbolism, art and storytelling. To many, orcas represent the bonds of family because of their strong social bonds and complex group behaviour. Orcas are also symbols of longevity and romance since they are believed to mate for life. Orcas are recognized as the guardians and rulers of the sea because of their sheer size and power. The orca is also key to the "Thunderbird and Whale" myth belonging to a number of First Nations peoples of the Pacific Northwest.Subject Place
Region
Pacific NorthwestContinent
North AmericaContext
This is one of four First Nations paddles, specially commissioned by the Union Club in 2022, intended to increase representation and visibility of the art and culture of the principal First Nations of Vancouver Island, B.C. - Coast Salish, Kwakwaka'wakw and Nuuchahnulth (southeast, northwest and northeast). Each paddle reflects different riches from our natural environment and was designed and created by a different First Nations artist. Each paddle also pays homage to centuries of ancestral heritage while also nourishing the role this heritage plays today. The paddles were formally unveiled at the Club on September 21, 2023 prior to Canada's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.
Paddles are, of course, utilitarian objects used to propel an individual forward but also highly symbolic in that, as we paddle together, we advance our community forward as part of a larger journey. Crafted in yellow cedar in varied colours, some enhanced with copper, shell and other materials, these paddles are striking works of art created with great attention to detail and powerful imagery.Made/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Chazz Elliott ("Temoseng" aka Charles Elliott Jr.)Role
ArtistDate made
2022Time Period
21st CenturyNotes
ARTIST STATEMENT
"In the past I have worked with cedar and also hard woods like maple and yew wood for carving. I have painted drums, canvas and murals on walls. I have worked with fibres such as plant roots, bark and wool which I look to further explore as harvest season approaches”.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Born to the W̱SÁNEĆ and Lekwungen First Nations, Chazz Elliott was raised in W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip) on the Saanich Peninsula of south Vancouver Island where he still resides. A graduate of Stelly’s Secondary School he is a full-time Coast Salish artist, the son of internationally renowned master carver Dr. Charles Elliott Sr. (aka TEMOSEṈŦET), RCA (1944-2023). Elliott attributes his desire to practice Coast Salish art to his father, and his mother Myrna Crossley-Elliott, a Salish blanket weaver, also bestowed a passion for learning about plant medicines. He is dedicated to carrying on the teachings and discipline of the ancient Coast Salish art form while being true to his own unique style.
Elliott has been selling art for several years through commissions including carved plaques, cod lures, paddles, logos, carved spindle whorls, paintings, t-shirt designs and carved and painted coffee tables. In the future Elliott wants to focus more on public art as opposed to private commissions. Elliott’s art focuses on capturing the history, stories, legends, myths and knowledge of his people, and he is keen to explore new mediums. His works can be found at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, Saanich Peninsula Hospital, the First Peoples Cultural Council, and Sidney Town Hall, as well as in private collections locally and beyond.Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
SignatureLocation
Verso paddleDimensions
Width
15.2 cmDepth
3.8 cmLength
152.4 cmAcquisition
Acquisition Method
PurchaseDate
2023Relationships
Related Entries
Notes
2023.09.02 Orca Paddle by Chazz Elliott ("Temoseng" aka Charles Elliott Jr.)
2023.09.03 Kwakiutl Raven Paddle by Trevor Cole Hunt ("T'łalis")
2023.09.04 Close Perspectives Paddle by Angela Marston ("Satuts Stsuhwum")
2023.09.05 Wolf Paddle by Moy Sutherland ("Hiish-miik" and "Chioton" aka Morris Sutherland Jr.)
