STEVE SMITH (DLA’KWAGILA), Lattimer Gallery, $500 – $10,000, Vancouver

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"Untitled, Vinyl Figure (Munny)"

Steve Smith (Dla’kwagila), "Untitled, Vinyl Figure (Munny)" with acrylic paint.

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"Basswood Sculptures with acrylic paint, Eagle design, Raven design, Raven design, Eagle design."

Steve Smith (Dla’kwagila), from left to right "Basswood Sculptures with acrylic paint, Eagle design, Raven design, Raven design, Eagle design."

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"Untitled, Hand-painted Canvas Converse All-Star Sneakers"

Steve Smith (Dla’kwagila), "Untitled, Hand-painted Canvas Converse All-Star Sneakers" with acrylic paint,

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"Unity"

Steve Smith (Dla’kwagila), "Unity," Acrylic Painting on Canvas.

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"Untitled, Vinyl Figure (Munny)"

Steve Smith (Dla’kwagila), "Untitled, Vinyl Figure (Munny)" with acrylic paint.

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"As Years Go By, Yellow Cedar Panel"

Steve Smith (Dla’kwagila), "As Years Go By, Yellow Cedar Panel" with acrylic paint,

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STEVE SMITH (DLA’KWAGILA)

Lattimer Gallery — $500 – $10,000

Vancouver

By Dina O'Meara

Since 1986, Lattimer Gallery in Vancouver has showcased work by Northwest Coast artists, carrying everything from silver jewelry and woven baskets to bentwood boxes and totem poles. Peter Lattimer, who took over in 2001 from his grandparents, Leona and David, remains committed to First Nations work and recommends Kwakwaka’wakw artist Steve Smith (Dla’kwagila) to clients.

Smith started painting as a teenager, learning traditional forms and colours from his father, Harris Smith (Lalkawilas). He soon took his own direction and now primarily uses black, green and red oxide in his paintings and carvings. A prolific artist, Smith has shown his work in New York’s Museum of Arts and Design, the Burke Museum in Seattle and the McMichael gallery in Ontario. His work is also displayed in the Vancouver International Airport.

“Within Northwest Coast design there are stringent rules around how forms are created,” says Lattimer. “Smith takes the elements and makes them more abstract, putting a modern spin on a traditional art form. He has really evolved into an artist in his own right, and is always building on his work.”

Lattimer suggests new collectors make sure they feel true love — not just an infatuation – for work they buy, as they’ll see it every day.