A Description of Our Program of Work

In early 1994, I met Kirby Rivest, a B.C. stained glass artist with twenty years experience in his craft. We discussed the possibility of collaborating on a project incorporating my style of traditional Northwest coast native design in the Kwakwaka'wakw tradition and his artistic medium of stained glass. Stained glass is not a typical material for aboriginal artists, and the idea of working together presented an exciting artistic challenge for both of us.

Over the past two years, Kirby and I have worked together on four projects. The first was "Warriors Assistant", a Sisuitl, which is a double headed serpent in the Kwakwaka'wakw culture. The second was "Aquatic Flight" which is a Cormorant in flight underwater. The third was the "Witness" which is Sun, the life giver. The fourth was "Salmon Lamp" which is functional as well as artistic. All of the works are my original designs and were translated to glass by Kirby.

These four unique works of art demonstrate our first steps in the development of a new approach to traditional aboriginal images and of my understanding of the idiosyncrasies of stained glass. In addition, it is Kirby's first exposure to traditional aboriginal art. It is important to both of us that we understand each other's artistic and cultural perspectives.

The creation of these dramatic works of art requires a great deal of time to develop from the initial concept to the finished work. Because of the intricacies of both the design and execution of the work, it is not possible, or desirable, to rush this process. During the past year, Kirby and I have been able to work on only four pieces together, due to our responsibilities in providing for our families.

We would like the opportunity to devote more time towards developing this medium and to explore the potential of our artistic collaboration to the fullest. Our goal is to create a series of pieces that would bring the legends and stories of Northwest First Nations to life with all the translucency, vibrancy and radiance that can be achieved through the medium of glass and light.

We both feel that we are moving into new artistic territory by collaborating in this medium. We are aware of no other partnerships between an aboriginal and non-aboriginal artist in this style.

As a team, we would be combining many years of experience in traditional aboriginal design and art, and the centuries-old tradition of stained glass. The result of this partnership will be truly unique works of art that will demonstrate the continuing strength and versatility of Northwest coast aboriginal art, expressed through the medium of glass and light.