Salish Weave Collection of George and Christiane Smyth

A collection of wooden pencils arranged in two rows, with a decorative central piece featuring embossed abstract designs. The pencils have pointed tips, with some colored in a reddish hue, framed by a dark wooden casing around the decorative insert. The background is plain white, emphasizing the colorful and textured elements.

Dylan Thomas, Weavers and Wool, 2020, glass, red cedar and paint. SFU Art Collection. Gift of the Salish Weave Collection of George and Christiane Smyth, 2022.

Rachel Topham Photography

Based in Lekwungen territory, Christiane and the late George Smyth have been solely collecting Coast Salish works of art since 2003. Considering themselves “activist collectors,” they have built their collection with the intention of promoting awareness of Coast Salish artistic practices and providing direct support to both established and emergent artists through purchases and special commissions.

Since 2010 the Smyths have donated numerous important works to the SFU Art Collection. Their most recent donation includes the gift of 136 individual paintings, drawings, three-dimensional objects and serigraphs by sixteen Coast Salish artists. These works bring significant contextual value to the SFU Art Collection, particularly given its regional focus, by addressing Simon Fraser University’s responsibility to the Nations — xwməθkwəy̓ əm, Skwxwú7mesh, səlilw ̓ ətaʔɬ, kwikwəƛəm, Q'éyts'i, Kwantlen, and Semi-ahmoo — on whose territories the universities three campuses operate. The donation includes a number of works by intergenerational members of the same family (Chris, COSINIYE, Liam and Sage Paul; Susan Point, Thomas Cannell, and Kelly Cannell; John and Angela Mars-ton), thereby allowing the Collection to better demonstrate artistic commitments, stylistic continuities and developments within Coast Salish families over time, and to demonstrate the strength of Coast Salish artistic lineage.

Images (45)

Abstract design featuring bold black shapes on a white background. The composition includes swirling forms and circular elements that create a dynamic and fluid pattern, with a sense of movement and depth. The overall shape is framed within a square format.

A circular, light-colored shape with soft, abstract patterns is centered on a deep blue background. The shape features various forms, including a prominent heart at the bottom and subtle lines creating a sense of movement. The artwork has a clean, minimalist style, with a textured border around the edge.

A round, decorative object featuring intricate teal and black patterns. The design includes swirls and sharp shapes radiating from a central metal circle. The outer edge is smooth and black, enhancing the contrast of the detailed design on the surface. Two small holes are positioned symmetrically within the pattern.

A large, stylized mask hangs against a plain light gray wall. The mask features a combination of white, black, red, and brown colors, with exaggerated facial features, including large eyes, a broad mouth, and intricate patterns. Below the mask, there are black strings leading to a small wooden element suspended by a horizontal bar. The overall composition emphasizes the mask's bold design and vivid colors.

A circular wooden plaque features intricate carvings of a stylized bird face, displaying prominent eyes and a sharply defined beak. The wood appears to be a rich, dark color, enhancing the depth of the carvings that include abstract patterns surrounding the central design. The background is plain, allowing the artwork to stand out.

A decorative object featuring a rounded base made of wood and a tall, slender pole wrapped in natural fibers. At the top, a vibrant circular element is adorned with blue and gold patterns, surrounded by a fan of dried grass-like strands arranged to resemble hair or foliage. The background is a gradient from light to dark gray, emphasizing the sculpture's intricate design.

A rectangular artwork featuring a stylized, abstract representation of a bird or animal in shades of gray. The background is a vibrant red with black and red splatter patterns. The composition emphasizes bold lines and shapes, creating a dynamic visual contrast between the main figure and the background.

A woven rectangular basket made from natural fibers in shades of brown, cream, and black, with decorative patterns featuring red stripes. The basket has an open top and a structured, straight-sided design. It is set against a gray background.

A wooden box with a vibrant design, featuring a red and black color scheme. One side depicts a stylized red bird with black outlines, while another side shows a circular design with facial features in red and black. The box has a smooth, light-colored wood finish and a solid red top. The overall design reflects artistic patterns characteristic of indigenous art styles.

Four stylized metal masks are mounted on a concrete wall, each with a triangular shape and wooden bases. The masks feature exaggerated facial expressions, showcasing distinct eyes, mouths, and decorative patterns. The background is plain and textured, highlighting the artistic elements of the masks. A small plaque is visible to the right.

Two abstract prints are displayed side by side. The left print features a bold red background with a large black triangular shape at the top, complemented by two black circular shapes below. The right print has a black background showcasing a similar design: a large red triangular shape at the top with two red circular shapes below. Both prints have white borders and feature signatures at the bottom.

A colorful, stylized illustration of a woodpecker perched on the side of a brown tree against a turquoise background. The bird features a light blue body with various geometric shapes in purple, green, and blue. It has a distinctive beak and whimsical curls on its head. The artwork is framed with a white border, and includes the text "18/30" and "woodpecker" along with the artist's name, "Roslynne Paul," at the bottom.

A circular artwork featuring two stylized fish in gray with red patterns, set against a bright blue background. The fish are oriented in a circular formation, with small black dots around the edge of the circle. The word "Pisces" is inscribed at the bottom, along with the artist's name.

A circular artwork featuring abstract depictions of two stylized hummingbirds facing each other, set against a gradient background. The colors include shades of red, orange, blue, and soft purple, with decorative patterns representing feathers and floral elements in the center. The border is bright red, framing the composition. Below, the text "7/20," "humming bird," and the artist's signature are visible.

A graphic artwork featuring four stylized dolphins arranged in a circular pattern. The dolphins are depicted in black and light gray with intricate designs, set against a vibrant turquoise background with a central white circle. The overall composition creates a dynamic and balanced visual effect.

A circular artwork featuring a combination of bold red and black shapes. The central composition includes stylized representations of animals, such as a bird and a bear, intertwined with human figures. The imagery conveys a sense of connection and unity, emphasizing cultural motifs. The bottom right corner includes a signature and edition number.

A stylized black and white illustration framed within a rectangular border, featuring abstract shapes and figures that convey a theme of family. The design incorporates flowing lines and curves, suggesting human and animal forms. The bottom corner includes a handwritten signature and the word "FAMILY," with a notation of "RW 16/20" indicating a limited edition. The background is a light cream color, enhancing the contrast of the black artwork.

A wooden mask with a rounded shape, featuring a smooth, light-toned surface. The mask has prominent black eyebrows and large, circular eyes with white pupils. The nose is stylized and slightly raised, while the lips are plump and painted brown. Subtle wood grain lines are visible throughout the surface. The mask is displayed against a plain white background.

A circular design featuring a symmetrical pattern on a dark green background. The design consists of alternating red and gray shapes, including pointed arrows and curved forms, arranged around a central white motif that resembles a flower. The overall color scheme is vibrant, with a strong contrast between the colors.

A stylized artwork featuring bold black and deep red shapes arranged within a rectangular frame. The design includes swirling patterns and angular motifs, creating a dynamic composition that captures the essence of lightning. The bottom of the image has the word "LIGHTNING" and the artist's signature.

A circular glass plate featuring an embossed design. In the center, there is a stylized face with a prominent golden crescent above it, surrounded by several abstract, curved shapes in a light, frosted finish. The edge of the plate is uneven and textured.

A circular decorative piece with a textured black outer ring. The inner design features a swirling pattern in shades of blue, gray, and white, with gold accents. A central white circle is surrounded by intertwining shapes that create a dynamic visual effect. The background is plain white.

A decorative art piece featuring a stylized mask or face design, crafted from layered materials. The top portion depicts a mask with a prominent expression, characterized by bold outlines and two golden eyes. Below, there is a geometric pattern made of intertwined shapes, all mounted on a wooden base. The overall color scheme includes cream, beige, and brown, set against a white background.

A circular, abstract artwork featuring a blend of colorful, organic shapes resembling fish and aquatic elements. The outer edges include shades of blue, green, and red, creating a vibrant frame around a central gradation that transitions from light to darker blue, evoking a sense of water or sky. The overall composition conveys a dynamic and fluid movement, suggesting life and energy within a natural environment.

A black and white abstract design featuring intricate, flowing shapes and patterns. The composition includes stylized forms resembling waves, fish, and leaves, creating a sense of movement and depth against the white background. The interplay of positive and negative space enhances the visual complexity of the artwork.

A minimalist abstract artwork featuring two figures intertwined in black and white curvilinear shapes, set against a white background. A small section of blue is integrated into the design, adding contrast. The composition emphasizes fluid forms and movement, creating a sense of intimacy between the figures.

Abstract artwork featuring a series of dark brown cut-out shapes arranged within a rectangular frame. The composition includes circular and angular forms that interact dynamically against a white background. Text at the bottom reads "5/50" and "PART OF EACH OTHER" followed by "08" and a signature. The edges of the paper are slightly irregular, adding to the artistic quality.

An abstract composition featuring overlapping shapes in a variety of colors including red, blue, beige, and green. The forms create a dynamic interplay of curves and angles, evoking a sense of movement against a dark background. The artwork is bordered by a white outer edge.

A stylized illustration of a bird, likely a swan, in flight against a gradient blue background. The bird features white plumage with black detailing, including a long neck and abstract patterns. To the right, there is a starburst design with a blue star. Below the image, the text "Returning home" is written in a simple font, along with a signature.

A graphic artwork featuring a gradient background transitioning from blue to green. Hanging from a stylized green stem are four pink flowers, each with a round face expressing different emotions: two with smiling faces and two with sad faces. The piece is signed at the bottom.

A vertical wooden panel features a series of four stylized, cut-out faces with curved shapes and angular eyes, arranged in a stacked formation. The background has a light golden hue, while the faces have a contrasting darker wood texture. The artist's name, "Chris Paul," is engraved near the bottom.

A decorative wooden maraca with a rounded, teal-painted head featuring a floral design in shades of green and gold. The center has a small circular inlay that reflects light. The handle is wrapped in braided natural fibers and is attached to a circular base that has a smooth, natural wood finish, accented with a teal bottom edge. The background is plain and white.

Abstract composition featuring two stacked rectangular sections. The top section has a blue background with a red circular shape containing black teardrop-like forms at its center. The bottom section has a green background with a white oval surrounding a solid black circle. The artwork is signed in the bottom right corner.

A circular design featuring intricate black abstract shapes and patterns against a cream background. The patterns include various curves and stylized forms, enclosed within a dark brown circular border. A small circular motif is located at the bottom left corner of the image.

An abstract design featuring bold shapes and colors against a light wooden background. The composition includes stylized faces and various curves and lines in red, black, green, and circular patterns. The styles appear tribal or indigenous, contributing to a sense of cultural storytelling through the artwork.

A circular artwork featuring a symmetrical design primarily in black, red, and blue. The composition includes stylized faces or masks, with wide eyes and curved shapes, creating a vibrant visual effect. The background is solid black, and the outer circle has white accents around the eyes. The artist's signature is visible in the lower right corner.

A vibrant abstract artwork featuring five stylized fish shapes in various colors: yellow, blue, green, red, and black. Each fish has distinct patterns and features, with circular white accents representing eyes. The background is black, enhancing the boldness of the colors. The title "Salmon Spinning" and the artist's signature are visible at the bottom.

A vibrant illustration titled "People of the River," featuring a stylized landscape with a large green hill resembling a fish, topped by a face. In the foreground, two figures in a canoe are paddling on turquoise water, with a leaping fish nearby. To the right, black silhouettes of trees surround a clothesline with hanging fish. The scene is framed by a gradient background, transitioning from light to dark turquoise.

A minimalist graphic design featuring a stylized, abstract representation of a face. The face is centrally located, dominated by a large, pointed nose. Above, there is a pale yellow circle representing the sun, set against a deep red background. The artwork is signed and numbered at the bottom.

An abstract illustration featuring a stylized bird in the center, surrounded by various fish shapes. The color palette includes shades of teal, gray, and gold. The bird's elongated neck and intricate detailing contrast with the more geometric forms of the fish, creating a harmonious composition. The bottom of the image contains a signature and the text "CANOE DANCE."

This image features a stylized graphic artwork titled "Salmon's Moon." It depicts three symmetrical fish heads on either side, with a central face that has distinct features. The color palette includes black, red, blue, and white, creating a vibrant contrast. The artwork is framed with a light background, emphasizing the bold shapes and colors. The artist's signature is in the lower right corner.

An abstract artwork featuring a dynamic arrangement of swirling shapes and figures in soft pastel colors, including shades of blue, brown, and cream. The composition appears to depict stylized fish and other organic forms, creating a sense of movement and flow throughout the piece. The title "Discovery" is indicated at the bottom, along with the artist's signature.

A graphic artwork featuring a predominantly green background with abstract shapes. Two large, dark green ovals represent eyes, framed by flowing white shapes that create a dynamic composition. The overall design is minimalist and stylized, conveying a sense of movement and expression.

A circular design featuring a swirling pattern of stylized fish and aquatic elements, rendered in shades of teal, black, and gray. The fish have a distinct shape with prominent eyes and red accents. The overall composition creates a dynamic, flowing motion, emphasizing the theme of water and marine life. The background is a light color, enhancing the vividness of the design.