Exploring the History of Northwest Coast Formline Art and the Story Behind Our Logo Design

Exploring the History of Northwest Coast Formline Art and the Story Behind Our Logo Design


At Wild Yukon Furs, we deeply appreciate and acknowledge the rich cultural heritage of the Northwest Coast and the traditional territory of the Skagway Traditional Council (STC) in Shgagwei, where we live, work, and play. The traditional art form known as Northwest Coast Formline holds great significance in the Indigenous cultures of this region, symbolizing ancestral connections, storytelling, and a profound respect for the natural world. In this blog post, we invite you to delve into the history of Northwest Coast Formline and discover the story behind our logo design, a testament to tradition, culture, balance, respect, appreciation, and humility.

History of Northwest Coast Formline Art:

Northwest Coast Formline art is a unique and intricate artistic tradition that has been practiced for centuries by Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast, including the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian among others. This art style is characterized by its bold, curvilinear designs, use of negative space, and emphasis on symmetry. Formline art is not merely decorative but holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, serving as a means of storytelling, conveying family/clan crests, and connecting individuals to their ancestral heritage.

Symbolism and Prominent Artists:

Within the world of Northwest Coast Formline art, various symbols carry specific meanings. For example, the Raven represents transformation and knowledge, the Killer Whale symbolizes strength and protection, while the Eagle embodies spiritual power and leadership. These symbols are intricately woven into the art, forming cohesive narratives and reflecting the diverse traditions and histories of the Indigenous peoples of the region.

Throughout history, numerous talented artists have emerged as prominent figures in Northwest Coast Formline art. Individuals such as Bill Reid, Robert Davidson, and Susan Point have made significant contributions to the preservation and revitalization of this art form, pushing its boundaries while staying true to its cultural roots. Their work has garnered international recognition, inspiring generations of artists and admirers alike.

The Story Behind Our Logo Design:

Understanding the importance of respecting and honoring the traditional territory of the Skagway Traditional Council, we approached them for permission to operate within their land as guests. The STC graciously granted us permission, and as a result, their statement now appears on the top of our web page and on our receipts, acknowledging our commitment to observing proper protocols.

To further pay tribute to the culture and tradition of the Tlingit people, we commissioned Inland Tlingit artist Blake Lepine to create our logo image. Blake skillfully captured the essence of tradition, culture, balance, and respect, infusing the design with elements that reflect our deep appreciation and humility. Our logo serves as a visual representation of our commitment to supporting Indigenous communities, cultural preservation, and honoring the land we inhabit.

Our logo story:

Appreciate The Vision:

Appreciation is something we must put into every element of our being, when we appreciate, we take nothing for granted. We can appreciate those intangible things. I remember my grandmother telling me, “Appreciate everything, especially your ideas.” I love that concept, of being grateful for even your ideas, after all, where do those ideas come from? They’re a gift, a gift from creator, a gift from those who’ve walked on before us, a gift of a vision.

Explanation of logo elements:

The top portion is creator
The lower portions are life/business partners George and Vanessa, opposites, balance.

Conclusion:

Northwest Coast Formline art is not just a beautiful art form; it carries a profound cultural significance, connecting generations and honoring ancestral traditions. At Wild Yukon Furs, we feel privileged to operate on the traditional territory of the Skagway Traditional Council, and our logo design by Inland Tlingit artist Blake Lepine serves as a testament to our respect, appreciation, and commitment to cultural preservation. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our connection to the land and the rich heritage that inspires our work.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.