International Women’s Day 2020 – March 8th

In celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8th, we’re honouring Coast Salish artist Angela Marston.

Angela has combined her skills as a wood carver and weaver to create a signature style that is recognized by both First Nations art enthusiasts and collectors.  She began to weave bark stripped from the sacred cedar trees at the tender age of 14.

Traditionally weaving was considered primarily a part of a woman’s daily tasks, and legends tell us that it was a spider who first taught girls to weave.  Women would learn to harvest materials while still quite young which prepared them to learn the art of weaving.  Weaving is still believed to connect them to their land and ancestors.

The process of weaving is a highly socialized endeavour as it gathers family together and strengthens relationships, and it would grandmothers, mothers, aunts and sisters who would pass their knowledge onto the next generations.

Throughout her career, Angela has developed a unique style and has been awarded many opportunities including a contract to design the ties and scarves for staff uniforms at the Vancouver International Airport.

Her works have been featured in an exhibition at Coastal Peoples Gallery, Coast Salish Masterworks, and have garnered her a dedicated worldwide following of her collection including paddles and rattles.

The Marston family of artists includes her mother Jane, sister Karen and brothers Luke and John.

For more details on Angela Marston and her work, click here.