The Elegant Implement

The Inuit Gallery of Vancouver would like to invite you to explore a new exhibition of works from some of the finest artists on the Northwest coast. The Elegant Implement focuses on contemporary and traditional objects that are or were practical in an everyday setting, ranging from tools to vessels to fine furniture.

What we think of today as good industrial design was applied to objects and implements on the Northwest coast for generations past and continues to this day. In Northwest Coast design, however, unlike most European industrial design, the artist is not only concerned with the smooth co-operation between form and function, but must be aware of the added element of meaning. Many objects created for everyday use carry symbols that speak of the lineage and status of the owner and so must convey the information accurately and favourably, without compromising the functional integrity of the object.

In some instances, the beauty of the device itself surpasses the seemingly mundane function it was created for, as in the case of Richard Sumner's divine Canoe Bailer or in Susan Point's modern interpretation of the traditional Coast Salish spindle whorl. In others, like Reg Davidson's Raven bowl, or Larry Rosso's Eagle platter, the vessel not only enhances the appeal of the food served in them, but the shapely design and opulent decoration also speak volumes about the high status of the person who owns them.

We hope you will enjoy the exhibition and if you have any questions about the works, please don't hesitate to contact the gallery.

Kate Leach
Inuit Gallery of Vancouver Ltd.
 
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01. Eagle Platter Sold
ei000005 01. Eagle Platter
Larry Rosso
01. Eagle Platter
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01. Eagle Platter

Artist Larry Rosso

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02. Killerwhale Paddle Sold
ei000011 02. Killerwhale Paddle
Art Thompson
02. Killerwhale Paddle
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02. Killerwhale Paddle

Artist Art Thompson

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03. Raven Pipe Sold
ei000012 03. Raven Pipe
Art Thompson
03. Raven Pipe
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03. Raven Pipe

Artist Art Thompson

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04. Raven Bowl Sold
ei000007 04. Raven Bowl
Reg Davidson
04. Raven Bowl
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04. Raven Bowl

Artist Reg Davidson

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05. Octopus Comb Sold
ei000006 05. Octopus Comb
Keith Wolf-Smarch
05. Octopus Comb
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05. Octopus Comb

Artist Keith Wolf-Smarch

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06. Sea Lion Fish Club Sold
ei000013 06. Sea Lion Fish Club
Lyle Wilson
06. Sea Lion Fish Club
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06. Sea Lion Fish Club

Artist Lyle Wilson

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07. Sea Urchin Comb Sold
ei000008 07. Sea Urchin Comb
Johnathon Henderson
07. Sea Urchin Comb
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07. Sea Urchin Comb

Artist Johnathon Henderson

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08. Canoe Bailer Sold
ei000020 08. Canoe Bailer
Richard Sumner
08. Canoe Bailer
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08. Canoe Bailer

Artist Richard Sumner

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09. Eagle & Wolves Bentwood Water Bucket & Ladle Sold
ei000010 09. Eagle & Wolves Bentwood Water Bucket & Ladle
David Boxley
09. Eagle & Wolves Bentwood Water Bucket & Ladle
Sold

09. Eagle & Wolves Bentwood Water Bucket & Ladle

Artist David Boxley

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10. Frogs Spindle Whorl Sold
ei000021 10. Frogs Spindle Whorl
Susan A. Point, O.C., DFA., RCA., D.Litt.
10. Frogs Spindle Whorl
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10. Frogs Spindle Whorl

Artist Susan A. Point, O.C., DFA., RCA., D.Litt.

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