White Swan

Artist/Curatorial Statement

The idea for the print of a swan was in my mind for many years. When I lived on a small island I would watch the swans swim and I’d delight in their majestic form and graceful buoyancy on the water. My mind saw their form in our art style. I later conversed with these birds asking how they wanted to be drawn and be seen by the world on paper. It took me two years to finalize the design. The strength of the final drawing and the strong presence of the original painting portrayed the Swan in regal, bold, flowing lines. The original painting was shown at the “Aboriginal Film Festival Art Show” in Duncan, BC in April 2011.

I did the Black Swan because it had appeared to our people. The Black Swan is not common in BC. One of my Elders’ teachings about these sightings said: It is considered to be a message for the people. We are to look at nature and see what she is telling us about the environment and look at ourselves to see if we are in balance. It is a wakeup call to the people of the Earth and if we are wise we will listen.

I did the Black Swan print first because of the message but the White Swan called to me and I decided to print it as well. These birds have a strong connection to our culture. We use their feathers in our regalia and have great respect for these powerful, graceful birds.

Jane Marston

Exhibition(s): Record, (Re)create: Contemporary Coast Salish Art from the Salish Weave Collection

Legacy: National Gallery of Canada