Description
Learning By Designing: Pacific Northwest Coast Native Indian Art, volume 2 is the follow-up manual for Learning By Designing volume 1 and takes the reader further into an understanding of Northwest Coast First Nations art and design. The authors Jim Gilbert and Karin Clark provide teachers and students with a basic introduction to the art of the Northwest Coast as well as an understanding First Nations ethics and philosophy. The introductory section provides details of the First Nations code of ethics, twelve principles of Aboriginal philosophy, and First Nations knowledge and skills foundation as these relate to the culture region. A detailed map of the First Nations of British Columbia's coast is provided. They also introduce readers to the cultural context for Northwest Coast art by including interviews with a First Nations family. The interviews with Ruth Cook, George Cook, Nella Nelson, and Wedlidi Speck explore each person's cultural and spiritual traditions and their roles as Elders, educators, counselors, and storytellers. The remainder of the book provides a further examination of design theory, an explanation of the four major art style regions of the Northwest Coast, a creation story, and a quick reference chart that summarizes the design features for birds, fish, humans, mammals, mythological creatures, and natural elements. Information about the Potlatch and Northwest Coast history can be found in the appendix. As in the first volume, the authors include numerous black and white illustrations, a bibliography, and an index. A full-colour 16-page creation story with 20 designs is included. This is a recommended resource for art teachers and public libraries with an interest in Northwest Coast art and design.