Cori Savard

Northwest Coast Native Artist Cori Savard from Haida Nation

Haida Nation

Cori Savard was born in Masset, Haida Gwaii Islands, BC in 1985, and has spent the majority of her youth and adolescence living in Quebec and Ontario.

Although a long way from her birthplace, she was kept engaged in her family history through her mother who would regularly bring her to museums and art shows displaying Haida work. At the age of 15 she returned to the Islands where her passion for her heritage flourished and she began to practice her ancestral art form.

After a couple of years spent honing her drawing skills, Cori was invited to attend a series s of workshops with world-renowned Haida artist Robert Davidson. In 2007, due to Savard’s diligence and dedication to her work, she received the YVR Youth Foundation Scholarship which allowed her to apprentice under Roberts younger brother, Reg Davidson, another veteran of the native arts. The scholarship also gave her the opportunity to commit to her work full-time.  Over the course of the next 8 years, she worked with Reg mastering her drawing abilities and learning how to fully realise her work in wood carving, producing masks, totem poles and paddles. To this day, Reg and Cori still maintain a strong relationship.

Currently, Cori lives in Skidegate, Haida Gwaii, where she practices her work and continues to master her skills from her own studio. Her work, which is extremely traditional in style, reflects both the ancient mythology of the Haida peoples and her own personal observations of the world.  Over the years she has won many awards, including the Frank O’Neill Visionary award.  Cori even danced at the opening ceremonies of 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.

 

Works by this Artist (Present + Past + Public)

Present Works

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  • Sgaana Saahlaan Sdings [Framed]

    Cori Savard

    CA$950.00

    Serigraph, Edition 27 of 125

    2022

    Framed

    “Sgaana Saahlaan Sdings means Two Finned Killerwhale. The imagery in this print focuses on the two dorsal fins. Attached to the body of the whale, they have no control over their direction or destination. The thin lines around the design represent the spray and the water that rolls off the body of the whale as it emerges from the depths to take a breath. With this new energy, it continues its journey, facing an ever-changing ocean landscape.

    The first dorsal fin represents the discomfort and apprehension that comes with the unexpected changes in our lives. It braces itself for the next wave, the next plunge, engaging in a losing battle against the momentum of the whale. The thin lines between the dorsal fins form teeth, creating a mouth that represents a shared experience and a shift in our mindset. The second dorsal fin represents acceptance, resilience, and the positive energy that follows our ability to adapt. Once we recognize our apprehension, we are free to challenge it. To seek the positive within the negative and move forward with renewed energy.” – Cori Savard, 2022

  • Sgaana Saahlaan Sdings

    Cori Savard

    CA$450.00

    Serigraph, Edition of 125

    2022

    Unframed

    (For inquiries on custom framing, please contact the gallery)

    “Sgaana Saahlaan Sdings means Two Finned Killerwhale. The imagery in this print focuses on the two dorsal fins. Attached to the body of the whale, they have no control over their direction or destination. The thin lines around the design represent the spray and the water that rolls off the body of the whale as it emerges from the depths to take a breath. With this new energy, it continues its journey, facing an ever-changing ocean landscape.

    The first dorsal fin represents the discomfort and apprehension that comes with the unexpected changes in our lives. It braces itself for the next wave, the next plunge, engaging in a losing battle against the momentum of the whale. The thin lines between the dorsal fins form teeth, creating a mouth which represents a shared experience and a shift in our mindset. The second dorsal fin represents acceptance, resilience, and the positive energy that follows our ability to adapt. Once we recognize our apprehension, we are free to challenge it. To seek the positive within the negative and move forward with renewed energy.” – Cori Savard, 2022