The fourth iteration of Steinbrueck Native Gallery’s “Paddles: A Timeless Journey” features more than two dozen variations on the theme, created by artists from Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska. “Paddles are used to propel the large cedar canoes in the coastal waters of the Pacific Northwest,” said Elizabeth Steinbrueck, owner of the Seattle, Washington gallery. “They guided the Northwest Coast people through vast distances since ancient times, taking them on a journey across history and culture. Displaying individual crests, each paddle in the show pays homage to thousands of years of ancestral heritage, while strengthening the role this heritage plays in contemporary society.”Predominantly crafted in red and yellow cedar, the pieces in the recently opened exhibition are all over five feet long, no more than eight inches at their widest point, and formed in traditional shapes familiar to First Nations peoples throughout their history. Some, like “Hummingbirds” by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Erich Glendale, showcase delicate carving skills, in this case the way in which one bird nestles snuggly in the blade while another bears an imposing figure in the handle. Others, particularly a trio by fellow Kwakwaka’wakw Troy Roberts, have a more robust appearance, with deeper woodcuts and adornments that include copper and abalone, in addition to paint.Coast Salish artist Luke Marston, the son of two carvers, showcases his lifelong training in one of the exhibition’s more clearly ornamental pieces, which includes his transformation of a normally straight handle into an undulating mermaid. “I draw my inspiration from history or personal experiences,” Marston said. “This particular piece tells a family story from my mother’s grandfather, who caught a mermaid and then traded her freedom for a lifetime of successful cod fishing. He then became known as the “King of the Cod Fisherman” — which is also the name of the piece.In addition to myth and ancient traditions, Kelly Cannell of the Musqueam Nation in Vancouver found inspiration in her natural surroundings when creating her “Northern Watch” paddle, its abstracted owls, fish, and other animals merging together on both sides of the blade. “For the Musqueam people, life involved frequent travel on the network of waterways on the Fraser River and Pacific Ocean,” Cannell said. “My paddle is a way for me to honor my ancestral traditions and the local landscape — its forests, water, and wildlife — which has provided life to my people. The imagery comes from my belief that all living things share a deeper connection that goes back beyond prehistoric times. The fluidity and connection depicted in my art is an expression of this connection.”“Paddles: A Timeless Journey” is on view through April 2.
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