Steve Smith NWC Olla

Born in 1968, Steve Smith is a Kwagiulth (aka Kwakiutl) artist from British Columbia.

The name of this particular work is “Free Spirit.” It is a very precisely, hand-turned and painted vessel made from a single piece of rouleau maple. It is made in the shape of a traditional pottery olla and decorated with Northwest Coast designs including many faces, eyes, and hands.

Dimensions are: 9 ½” tall by 9 ½” wide by 9 ½” deep. It is essentially sphere-shaped.

Background

In 1988, Steve was introduced to carving and painting by his late father, Harris Smith. Their collaborative efforts produced unique sculptures in basswood, yellow cedar, and alder. After a lengthy apprenticeship, Steve branched out on his own, producing a very distinct style of carved works utilizing traditional forms in a contemporary fashion.

Steve Smith signs his work “Dla’kwagila” which means “Made to be Copper.” Each piece is finished with beeswax.

Artist Statement:
“In creating art, I try to work with the positive and negative space. The two are inseparable and, together with the right balance, can create a sense of harmony.