In the old A-frame building overlooking Kulleet Bay at Stz’uminus First Nation, members of the Marston family are creating Coast Salish artworks that are becoming known around the world. The family played host at the gala opening of a show called Art Jam: Pacific Rim Connection in a gallery on the Ladysmith waterfront in early July.

The Coast Salish artworks of Jane Marston and her talented children joined works from Japan as well as those exhibited by the Ladysmith Arts Council at its Waterfront Arts Gallery. The building is housed in the Comox Logging & Railway Company’s former machine shop. From there, one can see Shell Beach across the harbour at Stz’uminus First Nation.

Jane, a Stz’uminus member, and children John, Luke, Angela and Karen all had their works on display at the event. Other featured artists in the show include two from Japan who had hosted John and Luke in a 2008 cultural exchange.

But the stars of the show’s opening (it runs until July 23) were John and Luke who have emerged as leading Coast Salish artists over the past few years.

John's carvings have been shown in museums across North America. His large freestanding panel, called ’ehhwe’p syuth (To Share History), and other works have been exhibited the Museum of Anthropology at the University of BC. Other works can be found at Vancouver International Airport and the new Vancouver Convention Center.

Luke’s works include The Medicine Box commissioned to be the centrepiece of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as it travels across Canada. Another work, the Healing Pole was commissioned by BC’s Lieutenant Governor Stephen Point to stand outside his official residence in Victoria.

The Eagle Dance

At the art show gala, John Marston played drum as his brother Luke performed his Eagle Dance. The performance drew a standing ovation from the crowd of more than 100.

“We first did this Eagle Dance on our first trip to Japan” John said. “The dance represents a spiritual connection with the eagle, explaining about the power and inspiration people can receive from the bird as well as the sense of loss when it flies away.”

Before the dance, Jane referred to recent news reports about the use of eagle feathers in First Nations. She told the crowd that eagle down feathers were used on Luke’s costume, but said: “My family and my relatives will not kill eagles and we will not condone killing eagles for regalia. The eagle is a sacred bird and the eagle is a beautiful bird. Our power comes from within us and our regalia is important, but not at the expense of the eagle flying free.”

In the culture

Buffi David, an instructor in the Hul’qumi’num language at Stz’uminus, provided the opening prayer for the gala, her drum beating to the song she wrote.

Jane Marston later thanked her for the language lessons Buffi is giving to Luke and others in her family.

And, of her family, she said: “They are good people. They respect people and reach out to people. That is the most important thing.

“Unfortunately I wasn’t raised in my culture, but my children are being raised in their culture,” she added.

Brothers’ artworks stolen

Two carvings by the Marston brothers are getting unwanted publicity.

Victoria Crime Stoppers has posted two incidents of smash-and-grab thefts on its web site involving work by Luke and John. In both incidents, the carvings were taken after thieves smashed the windows of Victoria galleries.

The most recent occurred on June 18 when Luke’s The Four Worlds, valued at $36,000, was stolen. In March, John’s carved panel called Silent Waters, Setting Sun, valued at $25,000 was stolen from another gallery.

Crime Stoppers can be contacted at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

More info at: www.lukemarston.com/

John Marston can be found on FaceBook.