Contemporary Coast Salish designs come to life in two light boxes, over 4-storys each, installed on the copper facades facing inwards to the central plaza at 8555 Granville Street. Designed by brother and sister team, artists Thom and Kelly Cannell, the panels tell a contemporary tale about their homeland, and depict creatures of the Land (green) and the Sea (blue). Each light box is shaped as a fragment of a circle, the shape of a spindle whorl which was utilized when spinning the yarn used in Coast Salish weaving. (Examples of Musqueam weaving can be seen in the display case in front of the Safeway store along Granville street).
Creations in weaving have been passed down for countless generations. The artists’ grandmother, Edna Grant, was taught to weave by her mother, who was taught by her mother, and so on. Her designs could be recognized up and down the coast. Not unlike a crest, weaving designs symbolize lineage. This is true in carving, weaving, painting, and dancing.
The artists are proud of this legacy and acknowledge it in this artwork.