Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 2023 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
1 mural : colour, wall mural, acrylic ; 39.62 x 6.4 m
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Kelly Cannell is a Coast Salish artist from the Musqueam Nation in British Columbia. Born in 1982, Kelly has been exposed to Coast Salish Art and culture from birth; coming from a renewed artistic family. At the age of 12, Kelly began her art career by creating her first collaborative silkscreen print with her mother Susan Point. Kelly’s travels throughout the years have been the foundation for her inspirations, and helped her connect with and create art celebrating the natural world.
Kelly’s public works can be seen locally throughout the City of Vancouver.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Signed, 2023
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
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Conditions governing access
Conditions governing reproduction
Copyright: Kelly Cannell; expiry: not determined
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Script of material
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Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
NW6
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
Artist statement: This story tells the woven history of the land and its surroundings. Together, the three host Coast Salish nations are proud keepers of the land. It is my intention to capture our connection to this beautiful environment. When creating this design representing the Coast Salish Peoples presence was important. We as Coast Salish people identify ourselves by where we come from.
I have chosen to use the raven and eagle to symbolize the vision of BCIT. The raven is known as a mischievous and curious creature and symbolizes knowledge, prestige and a truth teller in visions. The eagle, one of the highest regarded symbols of the local First Nations, represents respect, honor, strength, courage and wisdom. Together the birds take flight from the mountain with their wings soaring over the sea.
Directly in the middle of this mural is a triangle. In our culture, a repeated triangle in weaving designs is known as the mountain and valley motif. Shown here alone is my representation of the local mountains. This solitary triangle also symbolizes the three host nations united as one. The wings of the birds become the water of the Salish Sea. Below are two salmon, a staple to Coast Salish food and culture. Presented in pairs, salmon represent good luck and symbolize life, prosperity, abundance, and renewal.
Note
The Keepers of the Land depicts a sea and sky-scape of the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh The mural was designed by Musqueam artist Kelly Cannell as part of the 2023 Vancouver Mural Festival.
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Description control area
Description identifier
Rules and/or conventions used
Status
Level of detail
Dates of creation revision deletion
C. McLellan, created 2024-06-26
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Archivist's note
Managed by: BCIT. Campus Planning and Facilities