Time Warp is an exciting, exhibit of contemporary textiles of the Northwest Coast hosted by the Bill Reid Gallery in Vancouver, B.C. The exhibit opened on Thursday, July 16th with most of the 20 featured Aboriginal artists in attendance from Alaska, Yukon, British Columbia and Washington State. The Tlingit, Haida and Tsimpshian artists included in the exhibit were: Tracy Auchter, Carrie Anne Vanderhoop Bellis, Delores Churchill, Janice Criswell, Sherri Dick, Lisa Hageman, Lani Hotch, Lily Hudson, Shelly Laws, Victoria Moody, Marie Oldfield, Susan Pavel, Clarissa Rizal, Isabel Rorick, Ann Smith, Debra Sparrow, Lisa Telford, Evelyn Vanderhoop and William White. Many thanks to the curators of the exhibit, Martine Reid (wife to the late, Bill Reid) and Evelyn Vanderhoop, with exhibit coordinator, Kwiaahwah Jones, and much appreciation to all the organizations, foundations and individual’s monetary and voluntary contributions to make this exhibit happen.
I felt this exhibit was quite astounding. I think it is the very first exhibit of contemporary works by prolific and innovative weavers. All of us were fortunate to be a part of this show. While most of the exquisite weavings are Chilkat and Ravenstail ceremonial robes, there are a couple of cedar bark weavings: a Ravenstail cedar robe by Victoria Moody (image used for back cover of exhibit catalogue) and a cedar dress by Lisa Telford (which is the front cover image for the exhibit catalogue), and a perfect spruce root hat by Isabel Rorick. I am allowed to say what my favorite piece in the entire exhibit is because this is my blog: “Berries on Sunshine Mountain” by Lani Hotch – a Ravenstail robe in hand-dyed colors of green, brown, yellow, burgundy and burnt orange, with appliqued “leaves” and hand-made glass beads by John Svenson. I keep an eye out for Lani’s work; she’s an excellent, innovative weaver, with an eye for color, detail and storytelling.
As part of this exhibit, my daughter, Lily Hudson and I, collaborated on a Ravenstail ensemble called “Copper Child”, the offspring of two Chilkat/Ravenstail ensembles I had woven called “Copper Woman” in 2002, and “Copper Man” in 2006. Copper Child’s headdress, robe, and apron was woven by Lily; the tunic was woven my me.
Lily says: “Copper Child shares the story of our upcoming generation of healers scaling mountains for inspiration, while embracing traditions and carving new paths. The healers are symbolized by the black “Shaman’s Eyes” (an original design by Lily) along the top, mountains represented by eight “topographical maps”, and new paths by the single green “map”.
During the opening, David Boxley, Sr.’s dance group, Git Hoan, performed. I had never seen Git Hoan dancers up close until this evening, wow! From afar, I had only seen glimpses of their performances during Celebration in Juneau; I was always too busy to take time to watch. After watching their performances with real hand-carved masks, regalia and accessories, I wished I had made time to watch them before. In the Tsimpshian tradition, they of course, will steal any show! Here’s a video clip of one of their dances:
Time Warp exhibit dates are July 16, 2010 through January 16, 2011. When you are in the Vancouver area during this time period, please stop by the Bill Reid Gallery for this wonderful opportunity to see these fabulous weavings. Obtain your copy of the Time Warp exhibit catalogue at $20; it’s well worth the investment!