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Name (English only)

Art Thompson

Brief_Bio

b. 1948 Whyac, B.C. d. 2003.

Artist Detail - v3

Ditidaht, Nuu-chah-nulth; Cowichan, Coast Salish
Art Thompson (Tsa Qwa Supp) belonged to the Ditidaht band of the Nuu-chah-nulth people on Vancouver Island. Born in 1948 in the remote village of Whyac, he maintained involvement in the cultural life of his community. Thompson was largely a self-taught artist, though he took courses at Camosun College and The Vancouver School of Art, and who began drawing and painting at an early age. As well, he benefited from the experience of having a father and grandfather who were carvers. Significant, too, were his studies with Ron Hamilton and Joe David, two of the artist most responsible for he resurgence of Nuu-chah-nulth art.
Having worked in conjunction with numerous artists over the years and has developed his own unique interpretation of the ancient Nuu-chah-nulth art form in over 100 published serigraphs, his chosen artform. His artistic contributions have been photographed and documents in numerous magazines, books and periodicals, many of which include feature articles, and his work is held in collections world-wide in Canada, the United States, and Singapore.
Thompson was initiated into the Tloo-Kwalla or Wolf Society, a tribal initiation ceremony that had been passed down through the generations and besides his renown as a visual artist he attained recognition for his knowledge and practice of the traditional Nuu-chah-nulth culture. Thompson was also a tireless fighter for all those who suffered the abuses of the residential school system.
Tragically, Art Thompson passed away from cancer in 2003.

Sources: UVic Archived Artist Bios
http://www.cedarhilllonghouse.ca/artist/art-thompson

Artworks

  • 1 - 50 of 161
ImageTitleDate MadePlace MadeCollectionsMaterialsMeasurementsEditionCredit Line
Thunderbird And WolvesThunderbird And Wolves1982Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 48.00 cm x 37.50 cm x 0.00 cm12/200Canada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
SealSealn.d.Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 44.50 cm x 57.40 cm x 0.00 cmPrinter's ProofCanada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
MusselMussel1977Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperPrint; Serigraphoverall: 50.00 cm x 65.50 cm x 0.00 cmPrinter's ProofCanada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
Tooq-Beek (Wolf/Whale Transformation)Tooq-Beek (Wolf/Whale Transformation)1999Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 68.75 cm x 65.50 cmPp (edition: 75)Gift from the Collection of George and Christiane Smyth
Untitled (Sea Urchin)Untitled (Sea Urchin)1974Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 44.60 cm x 58.60 cm x 0.00 cmP/PCanada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
HummingbirdHummingbird1975Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 29.50 cm x 44.90 cm x 0.00 cmPrinter's ProofCanada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
HalibutHalibut1978Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 50.20 cm x 65.90 cmPrinters proofCanada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
Kwaht-Yaht is BornKwaht-Yaht is Born1989Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 58.50 cm x 55.50 cm2/150Gift from the Collection of George and Christiane Smyth
My FamilyMy Family1981Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 49.20 cm x 46.70 cm x 0.00 cm52/160Gift of Dr. Richard Kramer
Thunderbird and SerpentsThunderbird and Serpents1993/07/01Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 48.00 cm x 51.00 cm x 0.00 cmP/p;150; 15 artist proofsCanada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
House of the WolvesHouse of the WolvesOctober 1987Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraph39.00 cm x 65.00 cm x 0.00 cm1/1 Printer's ProofCanada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
Untitled (Wolf #1)Untitled (Wolf #1)1974Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 44.60 cm x 58.90 cm x 0.00 cmP/PCanada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
Twin Killer WhalesTwin Killer Whales1991Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 53.00 cm x 51.00 cm3/150Gift from the Collection of George and Christiane Smyth
Thlop-Kee-TuppThlop-Kee-Tupp1990/01Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 72.50 cm x 57.00 cm x 0.00 cmP/PCanada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
Our BeginningsOur Beginnings1999Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 92.00 cm x 72.00 cm50/133The Giving Back Project. Gift of David Fate Norton and Mary J. Norton
Thunderbird Eating A WhaleThunderbird Eating A Whale1986/12Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 49.10 cm x 54.80 cm x 0.00 cmPrinters proofCanada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
Dance Of The PrincessDance Of The Princess1990/12/06Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 51.00 cm x 53.40 cm x 0.00 cmPrinters ProofCanada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
Qwiss-ToopshQwiss-Toopsh1982/02Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 36.40 cm x 50.50 cm x 0.00 cm4/250Canada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
Untitled (Drum Design)Untitled (Drum Design)1992Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 53.50 cm x 50.00 cm51/200Gift from the Collection of George and Christiane Smyth
Northern Style Shaman's MaskNorthern Style Shaman's Mask1994Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWoodworkCarved and painted alder with human hairoverall: 24.00 cm x 15.50 cm x 8.50 cm-Gift of the Estate of Michael C. Williams
Ah-Diss (Crane-Fog Maker)Ah-Diss (Crane-Fog Maker)1990/12/06Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 22.00 cm x 20.00 cm x 0.00 cmPrinters ProofCanada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
Killer Whale Transforming into a WolfKiller Whale Transforming into a Wolf1980Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 46.00 cm x 51.00 cm x 0.00 cmPrinters proofCanada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
Kwaht Yahts GiftKwaht Yahts Gift1991/ DecemberWhyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 58.50 cm x 27.80 cm x 0.00 cm74/120Canada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
Uthl-Muc-KoUthl-Muc-Kon.d.Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 66.00 cm x 51.00 cm x 0.00 cmPrinters proofCanada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
My FamilyMy Family1981Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 49.40 cm x 47.90 cm x 0.00 cmPrinters proof for edition of 160Canada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
Untitled (Crawling Wolf)Untitled (Crawling Wolf)1980Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 37.50 cm x 48.25 cm59/60Gift from the Collection of George and Christiane Smyth
Ka-Ka-Win-ChealthKa-Ka-Win-Chealth1979/04Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 45.50 cm x 37.40 cm x 0.00 cmPrinters proof for edition of 125Canada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
Serpent DancerSerpent Dancer1980Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 61.00 cm x 45.60 cm x 0.00 cmPrinters proof for edition of 125Canada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
Crawling WolvesCrawling Wolves1981/03Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 53.40 cm x 49.70 cm x 0.00 cm126/160Canada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
Sah-SinSah-Sin1979Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 54.00 cm x 50.00 cm x 0.00 cmPrinters proofCanada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
OctopusOctopus1975Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 44.60 cm x 29.50 cm x 0.00 cm59/100Canada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
Dididaht Legend of Swans and WolvesDididaht Legend of Swans and Wolvesn.d.Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWoodworkRed cedar; copper; alabone; operculum; cedar bark; paintoverall: 160.00 cm x 230.00 cm x 10.00 cm-Gift of the Estate of Michael C. Williams
Twin HumansTwin Humans1991Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 53.50 cm x 51.00 cmThis rare print is part of the four part series of Kwaht-Yaht's gifts: Twin Humans, Twin Wolves, Twin Killerwhales and Twin Eagles. 3/150Gift from the Collection of George and Christiane Smyth
Box DesignBox Design1984Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 42.00 cm x 56.00 cm x 0.00 cmPrinter's ProofCanada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
SharkShark1996Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 61.00 cm x 45.50 cm x 0.00 cmPrinter's proofCanada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
A Tribute To My GrandmotherA Tribute To My Grandmother1981/07Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 53.40 cm x 49.50 cm x 0.00 cmArtist proof for edition of 160Canada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
New MoonNew Moon1995/02/09Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 68.50 cm x 66.00 cm x 0.00 cmP/PCanada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
Pookmis Comes BackPookmis Comes Back1989/07Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 58.50 cm x 56.00 cm x 0.00 cmPrinters proof 150Canada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
Lightning SnakeLightning Snake1975Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 44.70 cm x 26.30 cm x 0.00 cm59/100Canada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
Twin EaglesTwin Eagles1991Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 53.25 cm x 51.00 cm3/150Gift from the Collection of George and Christiane Smyth
Clo-Oose VisionClo-Oose Vision1978Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 57.50 cm x 72.50 cm x 0.00 cmP/P. Ed. Of 125Canada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
Untitled (Serpent Dancer)Untitled (Serpent Dancer)1985Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 42.00 cm x 37.50 cmAp 1/16 (edition:100)Gift from the Collection of George and Christiane Smyth
FrogFrog1974/11Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 29.50 cm x 44.50 cm x 0.00 cmPrinter's ProofCanada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
Queen's Baton; CaseQueen's Baton; Case1994British Columbia, CanadaWoodworkPewter; Wood; Plexigalssoverall: 22.30 cm x 6.50 cm x 4.00 cm#49 of 1,994 replicas made for commonwealth gamesGift of James Griffith
Eagle and Ditidaht SalmonEagle and Ditidaht Salmon1995Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 68.50 cm x 65.75 cm43/75, set of 3 with New Moon, Thunderbird & FrogGift from the Collection of George and Christiane Smyth
Killer WhaleKiller Whalen.d.Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 35.00 cm x 51.00 cm x 0.00 cm44/60Canada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
First FishermanFirst Fisherman1990Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 53.50 cm x 51.00 cm2/150Gift from the Collection of George and Christiane Smyth
Cod FishCod Fish1977Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 50.20 cm x 65.50 cm x 0.00 cmPrinters proofCanada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
Twin WolvesTwin Wolves1991/12/01Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 53.00 cm x 51.00 cm x 0.00 cmPrinters ProofCanada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
Too-Tooch; ThunderbirdToo-Tooch; Thunderbird1980Whyac, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorks on PaperSerigraphoverall: 43.00 cm x 74.00 cm x 0.00 cmPrinters proofCanada Council for the Arts Acquisition Grant, Purchased from the Collection of Vincent Rickard
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