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The Art of Darlene Gait
In Esquimalt artist Darlene Gait's paintings and screenprints, prominent animals of the Northwest Coast -bear, eagle, raven, salmon - are depicted from encounters she has had with them in their environment. She incorporates Coast Salish elements to illustrate the interdependence of her culture and the environment.
Gait...is as inspired as she is inspirational.
-- Indian Country Today |
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Canadian Wildlife
West Coast Scenic
Contemporary Coast Salish The distinctive artwork of Canadian First Nations artist Darlene Gait has been described as "about all things good" (Robert Amos). The titles of her wildlife pieces, such as Sisters, Partners for Life, and Spring Arrival suggest there are stories to be told through her depiction of the wolves, eagles, and a family of lynx. Darlene's paintings and stories express her personal connections to
nature and the environment. Her Coast Salish heritage and spiritual beliefs enrich her work with powerful images and evocative themes.
"Transferring words into visual images is her way of storytelling. And those stories are very powerful. Taking traditional emblems, such as animals with supernatural associations, she transfers their power into contemporary moments, often the narratives of children coming to terms with history.... The transformational power that allowed her aboriginal ancestors to move in and out of the spirit realm is apparent in the images she selects to tell her stories: animals with grace and wisdom, children with genetic memory, and landscapes that are one with plant and animal life." (Linda Rogers, Focus Magazine)
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