A photographic (and artistic) record created during a recent fantastic trip to historic Alert Bay on Cormorant Island near Vancouver Island. Wildlife abounds here in Canada's scenic British Columbia and so too does the richly textured history of First Nations culture and artistry.
Alert Bay is home to the 'Namgis Nation. We were made to feel very welcome during our visit to the island and the Namgis Reserve.
We returned home with the following photographs. More will be added as we render them into Giclee prints, works of art and ACEO prints.
All photographs are by Skye Ryan-Evans or Val Brackenridge.
All images are available as prints. Just email us if you would like to place an order.
A warm "Hello" to our new friends in Alert Bay!
(Left)
A glorious Bald Eagle in flight above Port McNeill, British Columbia, Canada. The ferry to Alert Bay departs from this Port for a scenic 30-40 minute cruise.
(Right)
A juvenile Bald Eagle in flight
above the Ferry to Alert Bay.
(Left)
A Harbour Seal cruising near the Ferry Terminal at Port McNeill before we departed for Alert Bay.
(Left & the Zoom below)
"BEACH COMBER"
A Raven patrols the stony beach front at Alert Bay, BC.
(Above & the Zoom Left)
"BEACH COMBER II"
Another Raven patrols the stony beachfront at Alert Bay, BC.
(Left)
"DARK ANGEL"
Ravens are plentiful and very active on and near Vancouver Island. This one was cruising around the marina at Port McNeill.
So, can you tell I love Ravens?
(Right)
"SHADOW DANCING"
I watched for some minutes as the same Raven began making a series of rhythmic jumps as if aware of his own shadow on the shore at Alert Bay, BC.
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(Right)
"EAGLE & THE SUN'S RAYS"
A large Bald Eagle flies by the World's tallest Totem Pole (173 feet) at Alert Bay, BC. The Sun Ray Pole features a Sun with rays at the very top. (see more images below)
(Left)
"THE TALLEST TOTEM"
Another view of the World's loftiest Totem from a different angle. Showing part of the massive support system of cables in the form of support guys that help stabilise this massive carving. The recent (2007) devastating windstorms on and around Vancouver Island, took their toll by claiming one of the rays from the Sun detail at the summit.
(Right & the Zoom, below)
The town might be called "Alert Bay" but there was nothing alert about this snoozing beastie as he lay dreaming on the sidewalk.
I had to paint this image of him. He was so adorable and so unaware of my presence
I titled this art print:
"SURRENDERING TO HIS DREAMS"
Alternatively entitled:
"A DOG'S LIFE"
Skye Ryan-Evans
(Right)
"THE SPIRIT GUARDIANS"
Two skilfully carved Totem Poles stand like aging sentinels over the burial ground in the heart of Alert Bay village, overlooking the harbour.
(Left)
"BEAR" Panel image of a painting featuring one of the 4 carved panels outside of the amazing U'mista Cultural Centre on the 'Namgis Reservation on Cormorant Island.
(Right & Zoom view below)
"EAGLE TOTEM & EAGLE"
A powerfully symbolic totem stands in the burial ground in the heart of Alert Bay village.
A young Eagle flies above, as if to keep watch over this human depiction of the Eagle spirit.
(Left & Zoom view below)
"RAVEN SPIRIT"
Another symbolic image this time in the form of a digital painting designed by Skye.
Featuring a sacred Raven flying between a First Nations Sun and Eagle Totem.
Raven's place in BC coastal bands is considered to be of great importance, even moreso than that of Eagle.
(Left)
"SPIRIT OF THE RAVEN"
A very potent image features here in an eerie digital painting by Val Brackenridge.
It depicts a mythical Raven flying across the path of a setting Sun and amongst sacred First Nations graveyard and Totems. The presence of a Christian headstone adds a powerful message with its significant presence in this artful image.
Raven's place in BC Native coastal bands is considered to be of great importance, even moreso than that of Eagle.
