On May 10th, Vancouver was gifted with the dancing northern lights in the sky, ribbons of pinks, greens and purples stretched to the south, and people from all over the country connected through the event over social media over the next few days. The spectrum of colours that the Aurora gives off are some of the most gorgeous to work with, and using the recent feelings of excitement from having seen the northern lights for the first time inspired most of this image. A night of the Aurora truly brings together each person who looks up, everybody experiencing the same, and yet, different horizons. The mountains and pride flags stretching infinitely are representative of that concept of ‘infinite horizons’ from my perspective.
The aurora itself is shaped as ancestral beings, a raven and killer whale. Raven is seen as a trickster and transformer, playful and curious. Many 2SIQ (two-spirit Indigiqueer) folks identify with the Raven, and this imagery is to honour our 2SIQ ancestors who have passed on, many of whom are responsible for paving the way to a more inclusive society. The killer whale transformation is representing the natural world- the native plants and animals, our waters and ecosystem. It is a wonderful sight to see when our resident pods of whales make themselves known in False Creek or Burrard Inlet and English Bay. They are a reminder to all that we must respect these lands and waters, and each creature who calls this territory Home.
The design itself is a contemporary spindle whorl, which takes inspiration from old belongings of ancestors that were used to spin wool for textiles. Because spindle whorls were designed and carved to be spun, the design can be viewed and comprehended from any angle.
Chase Gray is a 2-spirit Musqueam and Tsimshian artist living in their traditional xʷməθkʷəy̓əm territory, also known as Vancouver, BC. Growing up, he was always surrounded by culture and art, particularly Tsimshian dance and Formline design. Through time, learning, and understanding, Chase has developed a separate Coast Salish design style, which he now uses to represent xʷməθkʷəy̓əm art within xʷməθkʷəy̓əmterritory. Much of Chase’s art features bright colours, nostalgia, and queer representation as recurring themes, as he hopes to spread the joy of each community he is a part of.
The Lantern City is grateful to be held on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish Nation), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). We acknowledge our privilege to be gathered on this land, and commit to work with and be respectful to the Indigenous peoples whose arts and stories inspire us to bring communities together.
