Coastal Lunar Lanterns
Thomas Cannell
Musqueam, Canada
Thomas Cannell
Musqueam, Canada
Thomas learned artistry primarily from his mother, Coast Salish Artist Susan A. Point and carving from John Livingston. He’s adapted the ancient Coast Salish visual language, evolved throughout the ages and then again through his mother’s contemporary style, into his perception of modern-day Coastal Salish Art. Thomas draws inspiration in the natural environment of the places he’s experienced and through the traditional values he inherited from his ancestors and teachers. Thomas has many large-scale public artworks throughout southwestern BC
This design is a personal motif featuring Thomas’ ancestors’ rememberings and teachings. This contemporary iconography is a representation of səl̓ilw̓ət, known today as Burrard Inlet to non-Indigenous peoples.
For a long time before the Salish Sea became an international shipping lane, between the narrows, when there was no Lions Gate bridge to gaze from, Thomas’ ancestors would watch as runs of Salmon chased in armies of Herring. They were, in turn, followed in by pods of Orca. The abundance of marine life within səl̓ilw̓ət was unparalleled. The rich marine resources such as Salmon, Herring, clams, and birds were essential parts of our people’s diet. They relied on their knowledge of the seasons and correlated tides.
Orca is said to protect those who travel away from home and to lead them back when the time comes. Orcas travel in large family groups, working together. Orca is dominant in Thomas’ design because they symbolize family, community and protection, and in this past year, people all realize how important these are.
Thoughts on “Family”:
“For me, family means being there and supporting one another through everything. I am very fortunate to have my family, who has helped along my journey of being an artist and encouraging me to do my best.”
Contact Artist
Thomas learned artistry primarily from his mother, Coast Salish Artist Susan A. Point and carving from John Livingston. He’s adapted the ancient Coast Salish visual language, evolved throughout the ages and then again through his mother’s contemporary style, into his perception of modern-day Coastal Salish Art. Thomas draws inspiration in the natural environment of the places he’s experienced and through the traditional values he inherited from his ancestors and teachers. Thomas has many large-scale public artworks throughout southwestern BC.
This design is a personal motif featuring Thomas’ ancestors’ rememberings and teachings. This contemporary iconography is a representation of səl̓ilw̓ət, known today as Burrard Inlet to non-Indigenous peoples.
For a long time before the Salish Sea became an international shipping lane, between the narrows, when there was no Lions Gate bridge to gaze from, Thomas’ ancestors would watch as runs of Salmon chased in armies of Herring. They were, in turn, followed in by pods of Orca. The abundance of marine life within səl̓ilw̓ət was unparalleled. The rich marine resources such as Salmon, Herring, clams, and birds were essential parts of our people’s diet. They relied on their knowledge of the seasons and correlated tides.
Orca is said to protect those who travel away from home and to lead them back when the time comes. Orcas travel in large family groups, working together. Orca is dominant in Thomas’ design because they symbolize family, community and protection, and in this past year, people all realize how important these are.
Thoughts on “Family”:
“For me, family means being there and supporting one another through everything. I am very fortunate to have my family, who has helped along my journey of being an artist and encouraging me to do my best.”
Contact Artist
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