Diversity of Native artisans exhibited

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If it is true that many people tend to consider Nayive arts as being limited to beadwork, totem pole carving, or Norval Morrisseau-type paintings, the seventh annual Native Visual and Performing Arts Show held in Kamloops,. B.C., proved them wrong. The creative works exhibited in the show were as diverse and inspiring as the lives and the stories of the artists themselves.

One of the first booths seen on entering the exhibition room displayed colorful, conceptually unique stained glass pieces designed by Debra Thomas of Kamloops. Each of the pieces reflected Thomas' personal dreams and interpretations of her cultural knowledge. Thomas, like exhibition soapstone carver, Ken Cameron of Moberly Lake, is self-taught. Both are attending art shows with the hope of becoming self-supporting through their talents and individual gifts.

Lee and Bernie Brown of "Red Earth Pottery" in Vernon, B.C. had been attending art shows for the past two years. They produce well-priced functional stoneware pottery which is decorated by attractive, simple designs. Lee first became interested in pottery 17 years ago, when he was introduced to the art by a friend. Since that time he has learned to make his own clays, glazes and designs.

"I'm really committed to making sturdy, good quality pottery that people can use. It can go in the dishwasher, microwave, or oven. The design work is an added feature to make the pottery look nice, says Lee.

Attending his first show, artist Ben Paul of Kamloops found that both his art work and his life story drew great attention and admiration from the viewing public. In 1981, a spinal cord injury left Paul paralyzed from the chest down. During rehabilitation, Paul remembered loving art classes at school but doubted he could paint because of the paralysis, which affected his hands.

Thirty years had passed since Paul last painted, yet the intense desire to revive his lost passion persisted. Paul exercised daily and took part in an art class which was offered at the George Road Hospital where he lived. His perseverance paid off as he advanced to study art at Victoria's Camosun College for four years.

Paul's art is depictive of West Coast First Nations culture. His art incorporates fine lines and intricate details, which would be no less admirable if painted by someone with fully functioning hands.