Measuring 22" tall by 15" wide, this playful silkscreen print depicts a
salmon jumping out of the water. Undeniably West Coast, this is an
affordable vintage print that epitomizes the wildlife found in the
Pacific Northwest. It is signed and numbered.
Stephanie Kewistep
trained under the supervision of Ben Houstie and Richard Shorty. She has
been working for over 11 years producing original paintings, limited
edition prints, drums, paddles, and t-shirts. Her artwork has been shown
in galleries throughout British Columbia as well as in private
collections and various organizations in a world wide market.
While
significance varies Nation to Nation, there are associated traits and
representational qualities of Salmon that remain consistent
cross-culturally. Salmon are honored and celebrated by many of the
Coastal Nations in B.C. and are a powerful symbol of regeneration,
self-sacrifice, and perseverance. Shortages of Salmon are traditionally
attributed to human disrespect and refusal to live by advice of the
elders. The skill of preparing and storing Salmon is much greater than
that required in catching them – women are seen as the keepers of the
Nation’s most valuable catch and cache. Therefore, there is a connection
between women, regeneration, and all that salmon can provide for the
community. Many stories express the importance of appreciating Salmon
and observing traditional rites of respect - such as placing all of the
salmon’s bones back into the water after eating. If this rite is not
observed, the Salmon tend not to return. In many Northwest Coast
cultures, the Salmon is a symbol of good luck when seen in pairs. Two
Salmon represent balance, and a yin-and-yang within the natural world.
The Salmon is also the symbol for twins in Northwest Coast First Nations
culture, and any individual who is a twin can claim Salmon as their
family crest regardless of lineage. Salmon is particularly prominent in
the artwork of Coast Salish Nations. In art, Salmon is identified by
short fins; round eyes; downturned mouth; a long body with scales; and a
bifurcated tailfin.