The power of the First Nations' art and culture traditions is thrilling to live near and emanates more meaning for me than most contemporary work locally or internationally. I admire this unapologetic affirmation of all forms of life. I hope I have translated my admiration for the many generations of disciplined artists that preceeded me.

It was natural that my european traditions were reflected in these works as I was attempting to generate some of the best of both worlds. I completely immersed myself in this series for a year, researching at the Univesity of British Columbia's museum and library,as well as the Vancouver International airport to sit with Bill Reid's "Black Canoe".