Sisiutl and Full Moon

Size: 30 x 30 inches
Edition size: 90
Silkscreen on Arches rag mat paper

A Sisuitl is one of the crests of my Kwakiutl family, and the inspiration for this print. The Sisitutl is a double headed serpent, which Aboriginal legend tells us once lived in the sea and had enormous powers. Gazing upon it could turn you to stone, but if conquered it could give you great powers. Its skin could be used as an impenetrable armor; the touch of its blood would turn enemies to stone; its eyeballs were used as projectiles capable of killing whales. The moon is also a symbol from First Nation legends; representing a male principal, whereas the earth represents the female.

In addition to traditional Kwakiutl designs, David has created Contemporary Indigenous prints that represent the issues and history of our time. He believes that Northwest Native American traditional art is a foundation to build upon, not a boundary to restrain creativity..