Jane (Kwatleematt) is a Coast Salish artist from the Stz’uminus (Chemainus) First Nation. She started carving in 1984 under the mentorship of Simon Charlie and worked on art projects with him until his passing in 2005.
Jane is of the generation of artists like Charles Elliott and Stan Greene who revived the traditional Salish art form, and inspired younger Salish artists, including Jane’s children Angela, Luke and John Marston. Jane’s carvings include Salish house posts, ceremonial masks and rattles, talking and dancing sticks, paddles, and even dolls.
Although Jane’s preferred medium is wood, she is proficient in watercolor, painting scenes with symbols that depict her native culture. She has also published some silkscreen prints.
Jane draws inspiration from old Salish Art and nature. She strongly believes that one needs traditional symbols, yet also recognizes that one must dream new dreams and invent new art that speaks to people in the present day.
