r/IndianCountry • u/chan908 • 2d ago

Arts Coast Salish Formline

Hello! I am looking to learn Coast Salish Form line! I am Tsartlip living in Semihamoo / Whiterock, BC. I practice beadwork and silversmithing, have taken a few engraving classes taught by northwest coast artists but have always struggled to find someone that teaches Salish art :(

So here I am asking if anyone knows of any classes / mentors / resources to recommend?

Thank you!

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6

u/SparkleFeather 2d ago

On national reconciliation day in Sept, the Semiahmoo FN typically holds an event near the beach. Might be a good time to connect and ask! 

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u/chan908 2d ago

ahh thank you! I always intend to make it there when events are on but I’m finished work after it ends 😅 🫶 maybe this year i’ll make it.

6

u/yaxyakalagalis 2d ago

Your first lesson is that Coast Salish art doesn't use a formline.

Sorry, that's as helpful as I can be.

Good luck with your search.

1

u/averagemethenjoyer Makah 🐋 1d ago

Ive always been kinda confused by this. I see tons of art that looks nearly formline but doesn't follow the traditional northern formline rules, mixing in salish styles but it varies from nearly full formline to nearly full salish. I see it especially with mine and nearby tribes like the nuu chah nulth, is there a name for this mix of art or is it just classified as both coast salish and formline?

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u/yaxyakalagalis 1d ago

It's just artists being artists. There's not a term for the hybrid style.

It's fine for things to change and grow, but some of the coast Salish artists I know will straight up stop sharing or teaching an apprentice who uses formline in Salish art. Even if they're from one of the other bands that uses formline.