Steve Smith Balance

“This collection features a range of moods, from the more serious and introspective to pieces of playfulness and whimsy.

These works made me think about the journeys our minds and spirits can take us on, and how we need to maintain balance

MARCH 25TH 2017 The Steinbrueck Native Gallery is honored to host the second major solo exhibition by the celebrated contemporary Kwakwaka’wakw/Oweekeno artist, Steve Smith – Dla’kwagila.

Three years ago, we had the privilege of launching Steve’s first collection of bold, vibrant and ground-breaking works with his 2014 exhibit, Gratitude. The show was a major success and set in motion a new direction, one that has taken him on a creative journey inspired by pop art, modernity and a departure from tradition.

Despite the contemporary flavor of Steve’s paintings, his connection to nature and the spiritual world remains a vital component of his work. A deep foundation in trust, love and community is at the core of his creativity.

Steve spent the last three years experimenting with characters, color and structure against a backdrop that is loyal to the primary principles of Northwest Coast formline and design.

His desire to explore a variety of moods and perspectives while remaining true to his unique style allowed him to play with the concepts of strength and balance.

The resulting works are surprisingly fresh and widely lauded.

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and strength within ourselves.

For most of my career, I used traditional imagery and colors: black, red and green. In 2013, I underwent open heart surgery.

While in an altered state under anesthesia, many visions were revealed to me about life and my art. I felt a renewed sense of vitality when I woke. I found myself choosing paint colors I would never have used in the past. I was unsure but excited to incorporate these colors into my work. My first solo show featured the beginning of my experimentation with color and form-line. That body of work expressed my appreciation for life and love.

Today, I am always inspired by nature and the colors I see in the world. I find that with each piece I create, I am taken on a special journey. I get to experience that journey in a way that allows me to be fully present. As with all the work that comes through me, I see my art as a culmination of everything I have ever experienced in life. My new solo show, Balance, merges my enthusiasm for color with a deepened understanding of finding a harmonious balance between my heart, my mind and my place in the world.”

A LITTLE BIT OF THUNDER Acrylic on birch panel Triptych 84” x 24”

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THE WISE ONE Acrylic on birch panel Triptych 60" x 24"

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PROSPERITY - AUTUMN MOON Acrylic on red cedar mask 18” x 18” x 7”

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AWAKEN TO PEACE Acrylic on birch panel Diptych 36” x 48”

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IT’S TRICKY Acrylic on birch 36” x 8” x 5”

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UNITY - ORCA FIN Acrylic on birch panel 36” x 12”

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YOUNG ONES Acrylic on turned maple 21” x 5” x 5”

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TRICKSTER Acrylic on birch panel 48” x 24”

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WHAT IS...

Acrylic on birch panel Diptych 50” x 24”

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RAINBOW TROUT Acrylic on turned maple, granite 28” x 6” x 6” Base 13” x 10”

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SALMON ROE Acrylic on birch panel 36” x 24”

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TRICKSTER IN U

STRENGTH IN U

Acrylic on birch panel

Acrylic on birch panel

24” x 24”

24” x 24”

RENEWAL IN U Acrylic on birch panel 24” x 24”

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KEEPER OF PEACE Acrylic on birch panel Diptych 60” x 24”

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VITALITY - SPRING MOON Acrylic on red cedar mask 18” x 18” x 7”

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INTERCONNECTED Acrylic on birch panel Triptych 24” x 90”

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EMERGING Acrylic on birch 40” x 8” x 5”

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CHILKAT INSPIRATION Acrylic on turned maple, granite 28” x 7” x 7” Base 15” x 11”

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REMEMBRANCE Acrylic on yellow cedar box 12½ “ x 10½ “ x 7”

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OCTOPUS Acrylic on birch panel 24” x 30”

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TOGETHER Oweekeno Acrylic on birch panel 36” x 12”

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GRATITUDE Acrylic on birch panel Diptych 48” x 24”

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SUPERNATURAL Acrylic on turned maple 22” x 6” x 6”

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FULL OF PEACE Acrylic on birch panel Diptych 78” x 24”

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FAMILY Acrylic on birch panel Diptych 48” x 20”

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Š Steinbrueck Native Gallery 2017