Coastal Lunar Lanterns
Susan Point
Musqueam, Canada
Susan Point
Musqueam, Canada
Susan Point is a descendant of the Musqueam, Coast Salish peoples; she is Edna Grant and Anthony Point’s daughter. Susan inherited the beliefs of her culture and ancestral traditions from her mother Edna – who learned from her mother, Mary Charlie-Grant. Susan’s distinct style has inspired a movement in Coast Salish art. She draws creativity from her ancestors’ stories and forged the use of non-traditional materials and techniques, therefore inspiring a whole new generation of artists.
This design metaphorically represents nature’s forces, conveying the power of nature and the forces beyond our control. This image was created as an artistic expression of the multi-cultural environment unique throughout the world.
In creating this imagery, the phoenix, the eagle, and the thunderbird were incorporated, all of which are universal to the various cultures around the world, and each bird image having different symbolic meanings to each culture and/or religion.
For First Nations peoples along the Northwest Coast of B.C., the thunderbird and the eagle are prominent bird images used within their culture both spiritually and aesthetically, being part of many myths and legends. The thunderbird was the most powerful of all spirits, symbolizing power and strength, a strong and protecting natural force. The eagle is a symbol of power, and its eagle down is a symbol of peace and friendship.
With respect to the mythological phoenix, the phoenix is a powerful symbol and symbolizes different things to the many cultures and religions around the world. As the thunderbird is to First Nations peoples, the phoenix is the ultimate symbol of strength, renewal and resurrection/rebirth. The phoenix animal guide is symbolic of the sun, which dies in setting each night only to be reborn in the rising the next morning. For many indigenous tribes, the phoenix totem is the keeper of the fire in all of creation. In different cultures and beliefs, the myth of the phoenix has a common element, the desire for transformation and overcoming obstacles.
Thoughts on “Family”:
“These lanterns on display are side by side, just like we are as a family. Family, that’s a strong word.
Family for us means the ones who will be beside us no matter what happens. We support each other and inspire each other at home and while working together or apart.”
Contact Artist
Susan Point is a descendant of the Musqueam, Coast Salish peoples; she is Edna Grant and Anthony Point’s daughter. Susan inherited the beliefs of her culture and ancestral traditions from her mother Edna – who learned from her mother, Mary Charlie-Grant. Susan’s distinct style has inspired a movement in Coast Salish art. She draws creativity from her ancestors’ stories and forged the use of non-traditional materials and techniques, therefore inspiring a whole new generation of artists.
This design metaphorically represents nature’s forces, conveying the power of nature and the forces beyond our control. This image was created as an artistic expression of the multi-cultural environment unique throughout the world.
In creating this imagery, the phoenix, the eagle, and the thunderbird were incorporated, all of which are universal to the various cultures around the world, and each bird image having different symbolic meanings to each culture and/or religion.
For First Nations peoples along the Northwest Coast of B.C., the thunderbird and the eagle are prominent bird images used within their culture both spiritually and aesthetically, being part of many myths and legends. The thunderbird was the most powerful of all spirits, symbolizing power and strength, a strong and protecting natural force. The eagle is a symbol of power, and its eagle down is a symbol of peace and friendship.
With respect to the mythological phoenix, the phoenix is a powerful symbol and symbolizes different things to the many cultures and religions around the world. As the thunderbird is to First Nations peoples, the phoenix is the ultimate symbol of strength, renewal and resurrection/rebirth. The phoenix animal guide is symbolic of the sun, which dies in setting each night only to be reborn in the rising the next morning. For many indigenous tribes, the phoenix totem is the keeper of the fire in all of creation. In different cultures and beliefs, the myth of the phoenix has a common element, the desire for transformation and overcoming obstacles.
Thoughts on “Family”:
“These lanterns on display are side by side, just like we are as a family. Family, that’s a strong word.
Family for us means the ones who will be beside us no matter what happens. We support each other and inspire each other at home and while working together or apart.”
Contact Artist
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