The Thunderbird has Landed

Preview of The Spirit of the Mountain

Raising of the Sculpture

on Monday, January 29, 2007
at Ch’tl’lm (Ambleside Park) entrance, foot of 13th Street

Photo by www.urbanpictures.com

A "Behind-the-Scenes" View - Two Weeks Only

Artwork: Close up of Sna7m Smánit (Spirit of the Mountain), Xwa lack tun, 2006

Do not miss this "behind-the-scenes" look at the making of Sna7m Smánit (Spirit of the Mountain) at the West Vancouver Memorial Library (January 26 - February 9). The Spirit of the Mountain is a public sculpture being installed at Ch'tl'am (Ambleside Park). See photographs and video on how ultrahigh-pressure water cuts through an 1" steel. An innovative way to produce a sculpture of exceptional quality using a software-controlled, robotic motion process. This exhibit will showcase a scale model, engineering drawings, in-progress photographs and video of the design and fabrication process.

West Vancouver Memorial Library - Tuesday, February 6 at 7 pm
Join Xwa lack tun (Rick Harry) for a discussion of his work and the ideas, concepts and stories behind his new sculpture Sna7m Smánit “Spirit of the Mountain.” The artist will talk about the steel cutting method used to fabricate the sculpture, and the inspiration behind the design of the brickwork that forms the exterior wall of the base to create the impression of a Squamish woven basket.

West Vancouver Memorial Library is located at 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver
Mon – Thurs: 10am – 6pm, Fri: 10am – 9pm, Weekends: 10am – 5pm
Phone: 604-925-7400

This public program is presented by the District of West Vancouver Squamish Nation Sculpture Symposium project.

Photo by www.urbanpictures.com

Langley School Art Students Studio Visit

On January 18, an attentive group of art students of aboriginal descent paid visit to several Squamish Nation artists' studios on the North Shore.

On the picture to the right, Xwa lack tun is showing the students the Thunderbird head design of his latest sculpture (Spirit of the Mountain) is the official logo of the Squamish Nation.

The students had the opportunity to see first hand the scale model and sample cut of this sculpture made of new contemporary materials as well as a set of beautifully carved wood doors commissoned by BC Hydro.

Steel Sculpture Received Blessing

On January 2, before the cutting started at Brenco Industries in Delta, a Blessing Ceremony was performed by Xwa lack tun and Aaron Nelson-Moody. The factory workers and company owner gathered around the machine and participated in the ceremony showing their deepest respect for the tradition and culture of the people of First Nations. Click here to view more photos ...

Photo by www.urbanpictures.com