Guardian
Giclee
Edition 99
Released August 2004
Primary: Available
A/P: Available
Bears in my culture are often seen as guardians. During the T’seka
ceremony, for instance, members of the Grizzly Bear Society traditionally
watched over the proceedings and were the guardians of the Hamatsa
Society. For the Comox people, the Grizzly Bear is one of our main
crests and represents our community and it represents our strength.
We are able to draw on that strength and protect our culture in
the face of colonization and modernization.
In “Guardian,” the bear is rendered in the chilkat
style. My Grandmother’s Great Grandmother was a noblewoman
and chilkat weaver from the Tongass Tlingit. In my culture, this
lineage gives me the right and privilege to design and wear chilkat
garments. During potlatches, great chiefs were the ones who wore
the chilkat tunics. They continue to wear these to this day to not
only show who they are and where they come from, but as a form of
ceremonial and spiritual protection. All of our most sacred and
serious business happens in the Bighouse and, as such, the tunic
acts as a protective mantle, holding up the wearer with ceremonial
wealth and guardianship.
“Guardian” is a limited edition print
using the giclée method of printmaking. This print was released
in August of 2004 and printed by Andy Everson at the artist’s
own studio in Comox B.C. A total of 109 prints bear the title “Guardian”
and are signed by Andy Everson: 99 in the primary edition bearing
the numbers 1/99 through 99/99; 9 Artist’s Proofs; and 1 Printer’s
Proof. The acid-free mould-made Albrecht Dürer paper measures
13x19 inches. Image size measures about 11.5x17 inches.
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