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U'magalis
Serigraph
Edition 80
Released January 1999
SOLD OUT
Without a doubt, the single biggest influence on my life has come
from my grandmother Margaret Frank. Known to the family as simply
Audie, or mother, she taught me about love, respect, and responsibility.
During my teen years I would go visit her just about everyday to
talk about the old days and to discuss stories, songs, and dances.
She enjoyed this time together just as much as I did.
Born in a traditional Bighouse at Fort Rupert in 1897, Audie was
raised amongst a very high ranking family. Her father was Chief
Charles Wilson and her mother was Emily Hunt, daughter of the famous
anthropological collaborator George Hunt. When she was just a baby,
she was given the name U’magalis which roughly translates
into English as “Noblest of the Noble.” She lived with
and upheld the meaning of the name throughout her life until she
passed away in 1997 at 99 years of age. This print is dedicated
to Audie.
Like my first painted blanket, “U’magalis” is
a design done in the chilkat style. The right to wear these blankets
amongst our family comes from George Hunt’s mother, a noble
Tlingit weaver from Alaska. This print, like the blanket, shows
Audie’s primary crest—the eagle—with outstretched
wings. At the top of the print, one can see the face of the eagle
with ears above the eye sockets and a “ghost face” between
the ears. In the middle of the print is a face which, while representing
the eagle’s body, also symbolizes Audie with her gold tooth.
To the sides of the face are the wings and below it is the tail
and tail feathers. On either side of the tail feathers are the legs
and talons of the eagle.
“U’magalis” is a limited edition
print using the silk-screening method of print-making. Print production
took place during January of 1999 at Seacoast Screenprinting of
Victoria B.C. The artist was involved throughout the process and
has ensured that all stencils were destroyed following printing.
A total of 98 prints bear the title “U’magalis”
and are signed by Andy Everson: 80 in the primary edition bearing
the numbers 1/80 through 80/80; 8 Artist’s Proofs; 8 Remarques;
and 2 Printer’s Proofs. The acid-free 100% Stonehenge paper
measures 20x20½ inches. Image size measures 16x16 inches.
Three colours were used during printing: yellow, blue, and black.
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