Rediscovery

Giclee

Edition 50

Released May 2005

SOLD OUT

As I write this piece, I’m quite excited. Next week we are having a replica of a totem pole returned to the Comox First Nation. What excites me is not the physical presence of the pole, but the return of a “style” unknown to most Comox members and local citizens.

I know of three sets of poles that have been taken from our territory that bear a remarkable similarity in form and style to one another. The first set was taken by E.H. Verney on board the H.M.S. Grappler in 1863. These poles now reside in England. Another set is in New York, while the third pair can be found in the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria. It is from the poles in Victoria that the replica is based.

The poles are comprised of a bird surmounting human figures in two of the sets and fishers in the set in England. On first glance, the bird looks remarkably like an owl with large round eyes and upright ears. I, however, believe that the birds are likely thunderbirds. My reasoning for this is that the thunderbird is a major crest in Comox. In fact, it is said that a thunderbird lives in our mountains.

I’ve been wanting to do this design for a long time so finally I started on it last week. When I was about halfway done, I noticed the replica pole on the front page of our local newspaper, announcing that it was to be returned. I knew then that this rediscovery of a Comox style was meant to be and was way beyond my control. I look forward to exploring the style of my ancestors and watching other members of my First Nation doing the same.

“Rediscovery” is a limited edition print using the giclée method of printmaking. This print was released during May of 2005 and was printed at the artist’s own studio in Comox B.C. A total of 56 prints bear the title “Rediscovery” and are signed by Andy Everson: 50 in the primary edition bearing the numbers 1/50 through 50/50; 5 Artist’s Proofs; and 1 Printer’s Proof. The acid-free Moab Entrada 100% cotton rag paper measures 17x22 inches. Image size measures about 12.5x20 inches.