Christian White of Old Massett is the only islander with work in the 'Kiwa, Pacific Connections' art show, on now at the Spirit Wrestler Gallery in Vancouver's Gastown.n
The show brings together work from several northwest coast native artists along with work from the Maori people of New Zealand.n
Mr. White attended three days of events at the gallery in late September, which included opening night, a smaller, more spiritual evening, then a gala event with sharing of food and presentations.n
Fourteen Maori works are being shown, and Mr. White says there are a lot of common things between the two cultures. "We were seagoing people, we lived in extended families with longhouses and carved posts, we had similar tools we used for the carving,Â…there has always been a sense of brotherhood, I guess you could term it," he said.n
He has two pieces in the show, one a medallion, the other 'Wasco rising from the depths'; as well, other northwest coast artists including Dempsey Bob, Norman Tait, Joe David and Tim Paul have pieces on display.n
The show runs until October 20. Some of the pieces can be seen at www.spiritwrestler.comn