In the back section of the General Office, near Sara’s work station and Scott’s office is the sunny and bright ‘Creation of Salmon’. Make sure to say ‘hello’ to Sara if you come take a closer look!
‘Creation of Salmon’ is a piece created by Elder and Hereditary Chief of the Squamish Band, Floyd Joseph (Tyee). Joseph was born in 1953 on the Capilano Reserve in North Vancouver and received the ancestral name of ‘Tyee’ at a Potlatch in 1975. Since childhood, Joseph was immersed in Salish art and had a talent for drawing and painting; at age nine, he discovered an ability to carve under the guidance of master Indigenous carvers including his father, Larry Joseph and continued to develop his craft as he grew.
While attending Capilano College to study art, sculpture, pottery, drawing and design, Joseph visited Paris, Amsterdam and London. These places, the people and the art he experienced there fed his creativity and have contributed to a prolific career as internationally recognized artist. Joseph’s passion for traditional Coast Salish art has come full circle as he has continued in his career to work with other indigenous artists, including Susan Point, to revitalize this form of art. Working with traditional and non-traditional materials, Floyd Joseph’s work continues to build a bridge between the artistry of the past with the present.
‘Creation of Salmon’ was purchased from the collection of Vincent Rickard for the UVic Legacy Art Collection. This purchase was made possible by a Canada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant. For more information on the Grant, visit the Canada Council site.
Reflection Questions:
– Floyd Joseph’s travels during his formative years contributed to his career, are there any places to which you’ve traveled that you feel informed or guided your career? If so, how?
– Joseph’s talent for drawing and painting was obvious from a young age, what talents did you exhibit as a child? How have these talents served you throughout your life?
For more information, visit canadianindianart.com and gallery.ca.