9. Raven’s Hilarity

Dakelh/Haisla
Alder, Recycled Cloth Shopping Bag
27.5” x 11” x 18” (5” x 18” x 7” mask size)

Being my first Crest Mask/headpiece, I wanted to Honour my father clan, Raven. This piece is a conversation starter on how to utilize our resources more efficiently. I have heard so many artists speak about their work lasting forever, and it got me thinking on how plastic can last forever. So, instead of the traditional adorning of leather and hair etc., I decided to use a more unconventional approach by using our reusable bags. One of the flaps has a green tag saying, “Planet First,” and I strongly agree with the quote. 

The painting technique was thoroughly researched before application. On certain angles, there is a shimmer that you will find in a real raven as well. Raven has many tricks up his wings, and he has a lighthearted way in conveying the true meanings of his actions. He is depicted as laughing at us humans as we have forgotten so many of his stories that he is now creating new ones from old ones. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle… Even the stand is created from recycled materials. What have you done today to help put the planet first? After all, it is all our home.  

- Alexander Erickson