Pacific Northwest Coast Native Art
Symbolism versus realism
The bold graphics of Northwest Coast Native art is quickly recognized as such by observing the few design elements that are characteristics used often to show the eyes, joints, ears, feathers and claws of the creatures. These are defined by broad lines, usually black, that change in width as it flows around. These key elements define the various creatures, even in abstract forms.
Many designs are highly abstracted, especially in early work. The more highly abstract the design by distortion or by filling a given space, the more difficult it is to interpret the design to a specific creature. The key elements for various creatures represented by the accepted symbols provide the clues, but even these are interpreted differently by various native authorities. The recognized symbols are frequently used to fill space, and there, have no meaning other than to help the design flow.
This stylized art is practiced from Alaska to Oregon along the Pacific Northwest, but the style varies by area, clan, and individual artists. Contemporary artists more frequently have used the characteristic symbols in a silhouette form that depicts the creatures in a more realistic manner. They are rarely totally realistic, but they are recognizable.
Download the Acrobat file "nw coast native art" for more information on some of the artist views of the rules as they apply to his art.
The bold graphics of Northwest Coast Native art is quickly recognized as such by observing the few design elements that are characteristics used often to show the eyes, joints, ears, feathers and claws of the creatures. These are defined by broad lines, usually black, that change in width as it flows around. These key elements define the various creatures, even in abstract forms.
Many designs are highly abstracted, especially in early work. The more highly abstract the design by distortion or by filling a given space, the more difficult it is to interpret the design to a specific creature. The key elements for various creatures represented by the accepted symbols provide the clues, but even these are interpreted differently by various native authorities. The recognized symbols are frequently used to fill space, and there, have no meaning other than to help the design flow.
This stylized art is practiced from Alaska to Oregon along the Pacific Northwest, but the style varies by area, clan, and individual artists. Contemporary artists more frequently have used the characteristic symbols in a silhouette form that depicts the creatures in a more realistic manner. They are rarely totally realistic, but they are recognizable.
Download the Acrobat file "nw coast native art" for more information on some of the artist views of the rules as they apply to his art.
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