Homecoming

Giclee

Edition 99

Released November 2004

SOLD OUT

When I was going to university in Vancouver, I would come home on many weekends and holidays to visit my family in Comox. Living in the “Big City” was an exciting—but often lonely—time in my life. The tall buildings and the sometimes cold reception from others would make me yearn for a simpler and more welcoming existence back home. Studying anthropology seemed so remote from the realities of life on a modern Indian reserve. I longed for the warmth that only love from your family and participation in your culture can bring.

This print represents my many homecomings: my grandma’s eyes lighting up when I would walk in to see her; my mom and dad picking me up at the ferry and driving me home from Nanaimo; and eating enormous holiday dinners with my brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. These were truly joyous times that reminded me that I was part of something much bigger than my individual goals and aspirations.

In “Homecoming,” the main figure in the foreground is paddling to his home village during a cold, snowy, moonlit night. In the distance, a growing crowd can be seen lining up in front of the main Bighouse. The family—led by a chief in full ceremonial regalia—eagerly awaits the arrival of the canoe puller. In my imagination—and buoyed by my own experiences with family—this is a scene that was played out many thousands of times throughout the coast and in the villages of my ancestors.

“Homecoming” is a limited edition print using the giclée method of printmaking. This print was released in November 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 “Homecoming” 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 Moab Entrada 100% cotton rag paper measures 13x19 inches. Image size measures 11x17 inches.