Unity

Serigraph

Edition 150

Released September 1999

SOLD OUT

For thousands of years, my people have journeyed from village to village by means of the sea. Our life is rooted in the coastal environment. We traveled by canoe and lived off of the bounty of the ocean. Our culture reflects this wealth. For us, our age-old traditions are sacred and are represented by our songs, our dances, and our artwork.

For over ten years, the Le-La-La dancers have taken on the responsibility and honour of sharing our culture with people throughout the world. Out of all the cultures that we have encountered, the Maori people of New Zealand have occupied a special place in our hearts and minds. When we see them, we see ourselves. They have "Bighouses," "canoes," and "totems" like we have at home. They have a similar history and, more importantly, they love to laugh and sing as much as we do.

This print was created to illustrate the bond that has developed and continued to flourish between our peoples. All proceeds from the sale of this print will go towards continued cultural exchanges between the Kwakwaka'wakw and the Maori First Nations.

For both of our peoples, the Gukwdzi, or Marae, is the cornerstone of our communities. It is a link to our ancestors as much as it is a link to our future. It bonds us to our land. Here, the house is decorated with Kolus crest of Geoge Taylor (Melas), Director of the Le-La-La Dancers. Encircling it are stars and a ring formed from the Maori flag. Like the Maori, the colours black, white, and red are important to the artwork of our peoples.

“Unity” is a limited edition print using the silk-screening method of print-making. Print production took place during September 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 167 prints bear the title “Unity” and are signed by Andy Everson:150 in the primary edition bearing the numbers 1/150 through 150/150; 15 Artist’s Proofs; and 2 Printer’s Proofs. The acid-free 100% Stonehenge paper measures 15x17.75 inches. Image size measures about 12x14.5 inches. The colours black and red were used during printing.