New Logo: Meet the Artist
THE STORY BEHIND THE DESIGN
Margaret August
This design for the IRSSS depicts a Coast Salish spindle whorl in honor of the location where IRSSS head office sits, which is the traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) nations.
This design reflects the shared importance of weaving, something that is celebrated by all BC First Nations served by the IRSSS. The design of these sacred heirlooms were once thought to give the wool spinner a spiritual experience for the purpose of healing, transformation, and protection. Spindle whorls were also crafted by yellow and red cedar, which is known to be soft and adaptable to water exposure. As the people of this land, we can relate to this in our journeys of healing and transformative processes. To walk gently and compassionately with ourselves first, and then with others second.
The logo uses Coast Salish elements in a symmetrical pattern, for the intended purpose of giving the viewer a “spiritual awakening.” This type of experience is a subjective one, but one that encompasses an infinite sense of truth and reality.
About Margaret August
Is a Two-Spirit, Coast Salish artist from shíshálh Nation. Margaret was born in 1983 in the traditional unceded L ək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ territories, now referred to as Victoria B.C. Margaret’s work is inspired by their traditional teachings and encounters with nature. Margaret began developing their artistic talents at an early age and carried on with their visual art practice as they became an adult. Some of their artistic influences include renowned Coast Salish artist Susan Point, late Mark Preston (Tlingit), and LessLIE (Coast Salish).
In 2017, Margaret started working under the guidance and mentorship of Coast Salish Artist, Dylan Thomas, to further their training and sharpen their skill set in Salish art and design. Dylan’s mentorship helped expand Margaret’s practice to include art in multiple mediums such as serigraph/giclee prints, glass, and cedar sandblasted pieces. Margret is currently receiving further mentoring from Dylan in the art of wood carving.
Margaret is committed to their art practice as they believe it is their life’s purpose.
For more info you can check Margaret out on Facebook: Margaret August Art, Instagram: @salish_artist_margaret_august, or www.margaretaugust.com