Freda Diesing Year-End Art Show
Welcome to the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art online exhibition running May 6-27, 2022
The Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art Year-End Student exhibition is featuring our first, second, and third year students. This is the second year we have run our year-end exhibition online in response to the pandemic.
Our students come from many communities up and down the coast, as well as inland. Each year our students share the voices of the communities they represent with art as the access point into their unique cultural background that enrich the learning environment in the studio.
Being an artist is a challenge in the best of times and our students have stepped up to the task of creating and exhibiting their work during the pandemic. We have come together online and face to face throughout the year and with the ups and downs of the pandemic our students have inspired themselves to keep pushing the boundaries to keep creating.
The end of the year is a time to celebrate all the victories of each piece created. I hope that each of our students share those victories with their families and communities and feel the sense of pride and accomplishment in all that they were able to accomplish these past 8 months.
Keep creating!
Nakkita Trimble
Exhibit Curator & Program Coordinator
First year gallery
Alyson Bell - Xundaaya, 2022 Presidents Choice Award Winner
Artist bio
Alyson Bell grew up immersed in multiple forms of art and has been an artist since childhood. She is mostly self-taught, with help from her family and is currently attending Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art. Alyson currently focuses on Haida form line, she also enjoys realism and working with different mediums such as acrylics and ink.
Her passion is making form line and in doing so, Alyson hopes to learn more about her culture and pass that knowledge on to future generations.
Tooth and Killer Whale - 2022 Presidents Choice Award Winner
Artist: Alyson Bell
Dimensions: 18" x 36"
Medium: Acrylics on Birch Panel
Price: NFS
"As I introduce myself to the art world, I do so by presenting my crests. The two-finned killer whale is one of several crests that belong to my clan Iijaaw Yahgulaanas.
I take inspiration from the book "Transforming Image" along with artists such as Robert Davidson, Jim Hart and Bill Reid. In my practice it is important to incorporate old designs and look to masters; there's so much to learn before creating truly original form line."
19th Century Haida Bentwood Box Rendition
Artist: Alyson Bell
Dimensions: 36" x 24"
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Price: $800
Masset Inlet
Artist: Alyson Bell
Dimensions: 20" x 30"
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Price: NFS
Carmen Redunante, 2022 Honourable Mention
Artist bio
Carmen Paola Redunante is a developing artist with Indigenous roots from Chile on her mother's side. On her fathers side she is Nisga'a from the village of Gingolx, and her paternal grandfather is Tsimshian from Lax Kw’alaams. Carmen is very passionate about the environment and looks for creative ways to incorporate beauty and hidden messages in her work in hopes to bring awareness to help preserve our Forests, Animals, and Water.
Carmen is in her first year at the Freda Diesing program exploring her identity through art. Making the decision to apply to Freda Diesing has been connected to rebuilding a lost connection to her Nation and seeking guidance and a genuine understanding of Northwest Coast First Nations Art.
An'un (Hand) - 2022 Honourable Mention
Artist: Carmen Redunante
Dimensions: 18”x 18”
Medium: Acrylic on birch panel
Price: NFS
"An’un is the traditional word for hand in the Nisga’a language. Like other neighboring Indigenous Nations practicing their traditional art, we can pass down our stories and connection to our ancestors through a visual language known as Northwest Coast art or formline.
Within this piece An’un speaks of a personal story about transformation, guidance, and awareness to the cultural teachings that I have received with tremendous gratitude for those that have helped me return home."
19th Century Nisga'a Bentwood Chest Rendition
Artist: Carmen Redunante
Dimensions: 20" x 30"
Medium: Acrylic on Birch panel
Price: NFS
Star Gazer
Artist: Carmen Redunante
Dimensions: 24" x 24"
Medium: Acrylic on Birch panel with abalone
Price: $1400
Condor Meets Northwest Coast
Artist: Carmen Redunante
Dimensions: 22" x 28"
Medium: Acrylic on Birch panel
Price: 11" x 14" prints @ $50
Gibuu Howling
Artist: Carmen Redunante
Dimensions: 22" x 28"
Medium: Acrylic on Birch panel, edged with copper
Price: 11" x 14" prints @ $50
Marilyn McKee
Connect
marilynmckee@hotmail.com
Facebook: Thru Haida Eyes
Instagram: @thruhaidaeyes
Artist bio
Marilyn McKee is a member of the Tsit Gitanee (Eagle) clan of the Haida Nation. Her grandmother, Freda, was raised in Masset. She is also English, Swedish and German, which influences her art.
Marilyn's works in jewelry, painting and regalia. Her work is interested in the contemporary emotive expressions and fusion of the traditional Haida stories and European folklore. Her overall goal is to find the magic and bring that into the tangible world.
Grams Tattoo
Artist: Marilyn McKee
Dimensions: 24" x 36"
Medium: Birch panel with Unicorn spit stain
Price: NFS
Second year gallery
Tanya Gregoire
Artist bio
Tanya Gregoire’s family and ancestors are Tahltan, Tlingit, French-Canadian and Japanese. She is a member of the Ch’iyōne (Wolf) Clan from the Tahltan Nation, stemming matrilineally from her grandmother Rachel Joseph (nee Carlick). Her grandfather Alex Joseph, and Therese and Lionel Gregoire mean a lot her as well. She strives to use as much materials from the land as possible, and feels an inner passion to highlight flowers and plants in her art. This intrinsic love of flowers and plants is rooted in her connection to her grandmothers and ancestors.
Arctic Breeze Moon Mask
Artist: Tanya Gregoire
Medium: Red alder, acrylic paint, mountain goat hair
Price: $900
Pink Moon Portrait Mask
Artist: Tanya Gregoire
Medium: Red alder, acrylic paint, horse hair, beeswax, pressed moss phlox flower
Price: NFS
Presencing
Artist: Tanya Gregoire
Dimensions: 12" by 18"
Medium: Organic cotton canvas, Japanese seersucker fabric, fabric paint, embroidery thread, cotton bias tape, ultra-suede fabric
Price: $300
Tryton Moody
Artist bio
My name is Tryton Moody. Sxalxalxus is my Nuxalk name. I carry my father's Nuxalk name which means Power of a Mountain Slide. My father was very artistic and I feel that I carry his traits. I am 19 years old and I am from the Nuxalk Nation in Bella Coola B.C.
I have been interested in Northwest Coast art since I was 11 years old. I learned about Northwest Coast art from a few Nuxalk artists and continued to learn Nuxalk art classes in elementary throughout high school. At school I learned how to draw forms to create a Northwest Coast design, then I learned how to paint my designs. Later, I learned how to carve, sand and paint cedar wood. My first experience with metal work was with a master carver from Bella Coola when I was 14 years old. He taught me about the tools and how to cut shapes, and I cut my first copper piece at this time.
I went on to work with more metal, including silver in high school with another Nuxalk master carver Alvin Mack. Recently, I wanted to explore learning how to carve Nuxalk style, so I am learning this with some help from my mentors. I am looking forward to continuing my education in Northwest Coast art.
The Man Who Saw Thunderbird
Artist: Tryton Moody
Medium: Red alder, acrylic paint, horse hair and abalone shell
Price: NFS
Third year gallery
Jessica McCallum Miller
Artist bio
Jessica McCallum-Miller, is from the Fireweed Clan of the Gitxsan Nation. She was born in Terrace B.C and is a Third Year Student at the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art.
As a child, Jessica had the opportunity to visit her neighbor, Ron Telek, in his Studio while he carved. The smell of cedar, and the sight of traditional formline used in Ron’s work had always inspired her to further embrace this form of creativity, as well as her own Indigenous Identity.
Now, as a practicing First Nations Artist, Jessica takes inspiration from animals and nature. This can be seen in her artwork, as she incorporates designs taken from nature, into traditional formline paintings and carvings.
The See'r
Artist: Jessica McCallum Miller
Dimensions: 1ft x 6"
Medium: Acrylic, Copper and Wood Stain on Alder
Price: $3000
"The See’r represents a blind Shaman that came to me in a dream, I drew this figure upon awakening and added a third eye to reflect my own awakening to the sacred work of my ancestors. The Copper on the eye of the Shaman's headdress represents great wisdom and knowledge of both past and future. The See'r is a being of light and offers healing to those that seek guidance."
Blue Copper and Abalone Earrings with Septum Set
Artist: Jessica McCallum Miller
Price: $125
Copper and Moonstone Oval Earrings
Artist: Jessica McCallum Miller
Price: $80
Copper and Aqua Spoon Earrings
Artist: Jessica McCallum Miller
Price: $80
Copper Shield with 30" Chain
Artist: Jessica McCallum Miller
Price: $150
Copper Leaf Necklace and Earring Set, 18" Chain
Artist: Jessica McCallum Miller
Price: $150
Copper Raven Earrings
Artist: Jessica McCallum Miller
Price: $200
Kobe Antoine
Artist bio
Kobe Antoine is from the Lakhtsamisyu or Beaver Clan of the Lake Babine Nation located in Burns Lake B.C. He is a Third Year Student at Freda Diesing school and has been studying Northwest Coast Art for five years.
He specializes in acrylic painting and three-dimensional wood carving. Kobe is passionate about his Community and empowering youth to embrace their Indigenous Identity through practicing in their ancient Artform.
Hummingbird Wrap Ring
Artist: Kobe Antoine
Medium: Sterling silver and copper
Price: Sold
Copper Flower Necklace/Choker
Artist: Kobe Antoine
Medium: Copper and Swarovski crystal
Price: NFS
Copper Patina Bracelet
Artist: Kobe Antoine
Medium: Copper
Price: $150
Silver Ring with Free Float Copper Band
Artist: Kobe Antoine
Medium: Sterling silver and copper
Price: NFS
Copper Flower and Butterfly Earrings
Artist: Kobe Antoine
Medium: Copper and moonstones
Price: Sold
Copper Sakura Flower Earrings
Artist: Kobe Antoine
Medium: Copper
Price: Sold
Copper Flower Studs
Artist: Kobe Antoine
Medium: Copper, sterling silver posts
Price: Sold
Ancestors Guidance
Artist: Kobe Antoine
Dimensions:2ft x 5"
Medium: Yellow cedar pole with acrylic paint
Price: $4000
"This piece is a small Totem made of yellow cedar. The name “Ancestors Guidance” comes from our connection with our lineage and the oral traditions of passing this knowledge down. It is who we are as Indigenous people’s. It is reassuring to know that our ancestors and loved ones are looking down and giving us guidance on our journey through life."
Michael Tait – Modix Dillax
Artist bio
I am both Gitxsan and Nisga’a. We are Matrilineal in our teachings and upbringings, so I am learning from my mother and family which are Gitxsan. My village is Gitanyow. Our family originally came from Gisgaga’as. I come from the House of Nii Ky’ap. My clan is the Laxgibuu clan. Which is the Wolf clan. In my village there are Four main crest’s. Laxgibuu, LaxSeel, LaxSkiik, and Giskhaast. LaxSeel is the Frog clan, LaxSkiik is the Eagle clan, and Giskhaast is Fireweed.
I was born in Terrace. I was never raised in one spot too long growing up. Right now, I am currently working in Terrace. Currently have a home-based studio space. I have gone to Freda Deising School of Northwest Coast Art for my first year and second year. I am now finishing off my 3rd year. Artists that have helped me along the way have been Dempsey Bob, Stan Bevan, Ken McNeil, Nathan Wilson, Nakkita Trimble, Kobe Antoine, Dennis Nyce, Smiddy Grandison, Alfred Davidson IV, and Miller McKay.
Ventures that I have coming up are a class art show in the Freda Deising studio. The difference that I have from other artist is Faith in God, and an understanding of his teaching’s and stories. Which I use in my art when inspiration strikes.
Eclipse Moon Mask
Artist: Michael Tait
Medium: Acrylic on alder wood
Price: $900
Warrior Mask
Artist: Michael Tait
Medium: Alder
Price: $1000
Reflection
Artist: Michael Tait
Dimensions: 8" x 10"
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Price: $400
The Twin (Traditional)
Artist: Michael Tait
Dimensions: 16” x 20”
Medium: Acrylic on birch board panel
Price: $750
The Twin (Modern)
Artist: Michael Tait
Dimensions: 16” x 20”
Medium: Acrylic on birch board panel
Price: $750
Spirit of the Matriarch
Artist: Michael Tait
Dimensions: 20” x 20”
Medium: Acrylic on birch board panel
Price: $800
Killer Whale Tail Cut Out Pendant
Artist: Michael Tait
Medium: Copper
Price: $50
Fire Earrings
Artist: Michael Tait
Dimensions: 0.8”
Medium: Silver
Price: $90
S Shape Cut Out Pendant with Swarovski Crystal Cabochon
Artist: Michael Tait
Dimensions: 1" oval
Medium: Copper with sapphire crystal
Price: $80
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Basic's Ring
Artist: Michael Tait
Medium: Silver
Price: $120
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Wrap Around Frog Ring
Artist: Michael Tait
Medium: Silver
Price: NFS
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Crab Bracelet
Artist: Michael Tait
Dimensions: 1 1/4"×6"
Medium: Silver
Price: $325
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Eagle Bracelet
Artist: Michael Tait
Medium: Copper
Price: $120
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Drummimg Grouse Bracelet
Artist: Michael Tait
Medium: Copper
Price: NFS
Melodie Hoy
Melodie is from the Blackfish tribe in Kitkatla and was born and raised in Prince Rupert BC, in the traditional territory of the Tsimshian nation. Melodie was raised by her maternal grandparents and was inspired by her two grandfathers, Wilfred and Harry Innes, who were carvers.
Melodie has three beautiful children, all adults now, and her family includes nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Melodie is excited to have just completed her 3rd year of the Freda Diesing Fine Arts School.
Soul Catcher
Artist: Melodie Hoy
Medium: Acrylic on birch board panel
Price: NFS
Warrior Mask
Artist: Melodie Hoy
Medium: Alder with horse hair and acrylic paint
Price: $700
The Connection
Artist: Melodie Hoy
Medium: Acrylic on birch board panel
Price: $500
Hats Off Earrings
Artist: Melodie Hoy
Medium: Silver
Price: $100
Transforming Octopus Ring
Artist: Melodie Hoy
Medium: Silver
Price: $100
Travel: Canoe & Paddle Pendant and Earring Set
Artist: Melodie Hoy
Medium: Copper
Price: $100
Whale Time Bracelet
Artist: Melodie Hoy
Medium: Copper
Price: $100
Holy Smokes Pendant
Artist: Melodie Hoy
Medium: Copper
Price: $75