YVR Art Installation ~ Freedom to Move
LAMINATED RED CEDAR PANELS
STEVE SMITH 2009
Native people of the northwest coast traveled primarily via canoe. The travel experience was as much about the journey, as it was about reaching the destination. In today’s world, life’s pace is much faster. Travel can be stressful and hectic. People often concerned with reaching their destination; enduring, rather than enjoying their journey. It is my hope that this piece, “Freedom to Move,” will encourage travelers to slow down, contemplate and acknowledge their surroundings; to experience a change of pace, physically and spiritually.
The installation is comprised of 6 laminated painted red cedar panels. From one side of the installation, the viewer will see the Raven (Transformer and Creator) with its spectacular 12’ wide wings. From the opposite side, the viewer will see the Killer Whale (representing travel and the family) and its dorsal fin and tail. Secondary designs are visible within the dorsal fin and tail, which include a human figure and a human hand. In the tail of the Killer Whale, there is an Eagle (representing friendship and freedom).
Viewed from the opposite side, the Raven design is replaced with an Eagle design. The opposite side of the Killer Whale design is a variation of another Killer Whale, and a Grizzly Bear (representing strength and authority). A Bear’s head is depicted in the Whale’s tail and its claw is found on the dorsal fin.
The symbols and double-sided design of this installation represents themes associated with travel, transformation and Northwest Coast Native Culture.
This installation is in the new Pier C expansion in the Domestic Terminal.
The installation is comprised of 6 laminated painted red cedar panels. From one side of the installation, the viewer will see the Raven (Transformer and Creator) with its spectacular 12’ wide wings. From the opposite side, the viewer will see the Killer Whale (representing travel and the family) and its dorsal fin and tail. Secondary designs are visible within the dorsal fin and tail, which include a human figure and a human hand. In the tail of the Killer Whale, there is an Eagle (representing friendship and freedom).
Viewed from the opposite side, the Raven design is replaced with an Eagle design. The opposite side of the Killer Whale design is a variation of another Killer Whale, and a Grizzly Bear (representing strength and authority). A Bear’s head is depicted in the Whale’s tail and its claw is found on the dorsal fin.
The symbols and double-sided design of this installation represents themes associated with travel, transformation and Northwest Coast Native Culture.
This installation is in the new Pier C expansion in the Domestic Terminal.