The Hesquiaht artist Tim Paul is a world-renowned carver and storyteller from the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Nation on western Vancouver Island. Since his first carving in 1975, Tim’s body of work has consistently depicted the myths and origin stories of his people. He is an environmentalist, an artist and an educator, but his most important role is that of elder statesman and carrier of his cultural history.
Tim is famed for sharing with one and all the delightful and curious stories of trickster Raven, greedy Seagull, the omnipotent Thunderbird, and so many more. His is a world of wonder, filled with wisdom, charm and remarkable adventure. Please join us for this wonderful opportunity to hear the Master storyteller speak; to be carried off into the fog, mists and waves of the West Coast. 2
“The beginning of time was after the Great Flood, when Raven landed on the top of a mountain poking out of the water. After the water receded, he saw the beautiful valley and decided to stay, removing his Raven cloak and taking his human form.”
On the Mountaintop 52” x 16” x 15”
3
Owl & the Spirit 17” x 18” x 8” 4
“Raven and Cormorant tried to tease Bear by taking him fishing at sea and then trying to annoy him. Bear stayed calm and kept fishing until he pulled up the biggest halibut in the sea. The birds stopped bothering him because he was happy. He even offered to share his catch.”
Raven & Cormorant Take Bear Fishing 17” x 18” x 8” 5
Kingfisher Ridicules Black Bear 17” x 18” x 8” 6
“Crane was the keeper of fog, which he stored in a beautiful box. He would use his long spindly legs to lift the lid a little or a lot and let the fog out.”
Crane & the Box of Fog 16” x 20 1/2” x 6”
7
Swan Transforms into Woman 33” x 23” x 10”
8
Raven & Seagull Release the Daylight 21” x 18” x 7” 9
“The wind blew non-stop for many days until the birds decided that one of them would have to fly in and plug up the mouth of Westerly Wind. Every big bird attempted but only Seagull could finally make it. He plugged the hole and saved everyone.”
Westerly Wind 12” x 12” x 15” 10
April Moon 20” x 20” x 3”
11
“The People from the Sky came and lived among our people. They gave us magical gifts so we could travel very quickly and hunt very successfully. They taught us about nature and the universe and reminded us how small we really are.”
Special Race of People from the Sky 32” x 11”x 10”
12
Thunderbird & Moon 23” x 14” x 11”
13
Raven & Human 36” dia. x 2”
14
Thunderbird & the Mountain 16” x 16” x 8”
15
“The rattle was my grandfather’s privilege and responsibility. He took care of all the gifts that were to be given away at the potlatch. He performed with a special headdress and rattle after keeping watch over the valuable goods.”
Grandfather’s Rattle 15” x 21” x 5”
16
Flock of Geese 22” x 21” x 5”
17
Eagle of the Deep 15” x 11” x 12”
“Generations ago a young fisherman saw something flying through the ocean beside his boat. When he reached down to touch it, it dove deeply down and disappeared. This “eagle of the deep” was a giant sea turtle visiting on a warm current.“ 18
Thunderbird’s Moon 28” dia. x 6”
19
“The world struggles between light and dark, which creates a tenuous balance in everything. When the world tilts toward darkness, we must purify ourselves and seek out the Special Bird of Light, who can restore the balance.“
Bird of Light & Balance 26” x 20 1/2” x 2”
20
Blue Raven & Human Witness 19” x 19” x 9”
21
“When Eagle transforms into her human form, she displays her full red color. When someone witnesses this transformation, great power is bestowed on them to do good and to instill goodwill in everyone they meet.”
Eagle Takes Her Human Form 19” x 12” x 8” 22
Brothers of the Four Directions 23” x 21” x 5”
23
When Leaves Flow Downriver 19” x 17” x 5”
steinbruecknativegallery.com 2030 Western Ave | Seattle, WA 98121 | 206.441.3821 © Steinbrueck Native Gallery 2018