Xwa Lack Tun is an internationally renowned First Nations carver. If you’ve spent any time in British Columbia, you’ve probably seen his awesome aboriginal carvings.
Xwa Lack Tun is responsible for such stunning pieces as the yellow cedar doors of BC Hydro’s main building in Vancouver, the council table for the Squamish Nation Band Office and the doors on the Recreation Centre on the Capilano Reserve. Many upscale homes across the province feature house poles carved by Xwa-lack-tun, and over 80 pieces of his work are featured in school districts in the Lower Mainland.
Considering his fame and talent, its no surprise Xwa Lack Tun is the first aboriginal artist chosen to receive a license to produce art on the Olympic brand. And that’s not his only involvement with the 2010 Winter Games. He actually assisted with the Winter Olympic bid; he was involved in icon development as well as designs for the bid box.
FREE OFFER!
We’d like to welcome you with $200.00 or more in exclusive monthly savings, a special 10% discount and a ton of tips, tricks and secrets for getting the best deals on First Nations Art. Claim this Free, no obligation gift by entering your first name and primary email here:
A member of Squamish First Nation, Xwa Lack Tun was born and raised on Canada’s west coast. He studied art at Capilano College and Emily Carr College of Art. Today, he works in wood, stone, glass and metal. Xwa Lack Tun’s prints are also available.
Xwa Lack Tun’s Art
The Coast Salish people have made aboriginal carvings for centuries, always for practical reasons. Their totem poles are a primary example.
Xwa Lack Tun also carves totem poles.
In fact, in 2001 he helped a Scottish community carve and ceremonially erect its own totem pole. He’s been returning to that country ever since, teaching carving techniques and assisting with more totem poles.
Major themes in Xwa Lack Tun’s aboriginal carvings include, healing, growth, universal respect and the power of the positive energy of love. Traditional aboriginal stories are related to modern life in his art, illustrating how First Nations and non-aboriginals can use ancient wisdom to heal today.
Here’s a good example of how these themes emerge in his work. One of his newest projects, a sculpture erected at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver in early 2007, is based on the Squamish story of how the twin peaks called the “Sisters” brought peace to the fighting Squamish and Haida people. Upright paddles in the design indicate respect for all and a canoe in the background is a representation of the journey to build a strong foundation for all future generations.
Passing Knowledge On
Educating future generations about the past is important to this artist. Xwa Lack Tun works with schools everywhere to teach children about culture and tradition as well as about art. This committed educator was even on the popular television series Sesame Street!
In 2005, Xwa Lack Tun received an honorable award from the North Vancouver Arts Council for his local and global contributions to the art world. There is no doubt that his aboriginal carvings will continue to make a significant impact on First Nations artists and future generations.