Welcome to my gallery, a collection of original artworks inspired by the natural beauty of Vancouver Island and grounded in Coast Salish design and traditions. I have been creating works that reflect my connection to culture, community, and the land that surrounds me. Through weaving, design, and artistic expression, each piece tells a story and carries elements of Indigenous knowledge, creativity, and identity.
Copyright Notice
All artwork and images displayed in this gallery are protected by copyright and remain the exclusive property of Angela Marston. All rights are reserved. No image, artwork, photograph, or content from this website may be copied, reproduced, distributed, published, modified, stored, or used in any form without the prior written permission of Angela Marston.
Connections
This 6 ft x 6 ft charcoal drawing explored how all living things are connected. People joined hand in hand form a circle around the Earth, symbolizing our shared responsibility to care for one another and for the world that sustains us.
Raindrops representing water that nourishes every living being, reminding us that our well-being is inseparable from the health of the land, the rivers, and the skies. Interwoven among the figures are tulips, symbols of renewal, growth, and hope, emerging from the earth as a reminder that beauty and resilience flourish when we live in balance with nature.
Inspired by Coast Salish teachings of interconnectedness and respect for the natural world, this drawing invites reflection on our place within a larger living system. We are not separate from the Earth or from one another—we are part of the same circle. As the rain nourishes the flowers, and the Earth supports all life, we are reminded that caring for the land, the water, and each other is both our responsibility and our greatest source of strength.
Materials: Heavy Industrial Paper, Gesso, Charcoal
Colonization
This installation explores the impacts of colonization on First Nations in British Columbia through a collection of deeply symbolic objects. At the center is a metal bed frame, representing institutions of confinement, illness, and the intergenerational trauma experienced by First Nation peoples.
Plaster skulls and glass bottles inscribed with the Latin names of diseases introduced by early European settlers serve as a stark reminder of the devastating epidemics that decimated First Nation populations. These objects acknowledge the profound human loss and the enduring effects of diseases that altered the social, cultural, and demographic landscape of First Nations communities.
Across the bed is a Hudson’s Bay blanket, an iconic symbol of the fur trade and the complex relationship between the Hudson’s Bay Company and First Nation people. While the blanket reflects trade, economic exchange, and survival, it also evokes the broader legacy of colonization, cultural disruption, and shifting power dynamics that accompanied European expansion into British Columbia.
Hidden beneath the bed are woven cedar hats, representing Indigenous law, governance, and cultural identity. Their placement beneath the bed symbolizes the suppression of Indigenous legal systems, ceremonies, and cultural practices through colonial policies and legislation.
Materials: Wool blanket, Metal bed frame, plaster sculls, glass bottles, acrylic paint, yarn.
Fire Healing Rattle
This healing rattle is inspired by the transformative power of fire, a sacred element that symbolizes renewal, cleansing, and new beginnings. Fire has the ability to burn away what no longer serves us, creating space for healing, growth, and the start of a new journey. It represents the strength to move through life’s challenges and emerge with greater clarity, resilience, and purpose.
The rattle is used to carry prayers, songs, and intentions. Its rhythmic sound is believed to help restore balance, focus the mind, and support spiritual and emotional healing. As the rattle is shaken, it echoes the energy of fire—awakening the spirit, clearing away negative energy, and inviting positive transformation.
The fire design reminds us that healing is a continual process. Just as fire renews the land and allows new life to flourish, we too can release the past, embrace change, and move forward with hope and strength. This healing rattle honours the enduring connection between the natural world, cultural teachings, and the journey toward wellness and renewal.
Materials: Old Growth Yellow Cedar, Acrylic Paint, Cedar root.
Wolf Paddle
This paddle features the wolf, a respected being in many Northwest Coast cultures, represented in the Coast Salish art style. The paddle symbolizes life’s journey, strength, and moving forward with purpose, while the wolf represents loyalty, family, leadership, and the importance of community. Wolves remind us that we are strongest when we support one another and work together.
The design also reflects the transformation between the wolf and the whale, a teaching shared among many Coast Salish and Northwest Coast Nations. According to these teachings, wolves are believed to transform into killer whales when they enter the ocean, and killer whales transform back into wolves when they return to the land. This connection symbolizes the deep relationship between land and sea and reminds us that all living beings are interconnected.
The transformation of the wolf and whale also speaks to adaptability, resilience, and the ability to move between different worlds while remaining true to one’s identity. It teaches us to embrace change, honour our relationships with one another and the natural world, and carry the strength and wisdom of our ancestors wherever our journey takes us.
Materials: Old Growth Yellow Cedar, Acrylic Paint, Copper, Cedar root.
Oregon Grape Rattle
Oregon Grape is one of my favourite plants because it holds both personal memories and cultural significance. When I was young, we would eat the bright yellow flowers in the spring. They had a unique sweet and sour flavour that made them a favourite snack while we were out on the land. Those experiences taught me to appreciate the many gifts that plants provide and the knowledge that has been passed down through generations.
Oregon Grape is also a very useful plant. The roots can be harvested to create a beautiful yellow dye for wool and other natural fibres, a practice that reflects the deep connection between plants and traditional arts. In addition to its use as a dye, the roots have long been valued for their medicinal properties. They contain natural compounds with antibiotic and antimicrobial qualities and have traditionally been used to help treat infections and support overall health. Oregon Grape reminds me that the plants around us are not only beautiful but are also important sources of food, medicine, and traditional knowledge.
Materials: Old Growth Yellow Cedar, Acrylic Paint, Cedar root.
Owl Paddle
This paddle features an owl design incorporating traditional design elements such as flowing forms, split Us, crescents, trigons and balanced symmetry. These design principles reflect the distinctive visual language of Coast Salish art, where every shape and line contributes to the story and spirit of the piece.
In Coast Salish culture, the owl is a powerful and respected being. It is often associated with wisdom, knowledge, intuition, and the ability to see what others cannot. The owl reminds us to listen carefully, trust our instincts, and remain aware of both the physical and spiritual worlds. In some teachings, the owl is also regarded as a messenger and a protector, carrying important lessons and reminding us to respect the knowledge passed down through generations.
Materials: Old Growth Yellow Cedar, Acrylic Paint, Copper, Cedar root.
Creation
This mask, titled Creation, is inspired by the moment when life first begins. It represents the instant when energy awakens, when spirit and matter come together, and when new life is formed. At the center of this work is the idea of emergence—the precise moment something is brought into existence, shifting from silence and stillness into movement, breath, and being.
The design reflects the energy that flows at the beginning of life, when potential becomes reality and a new presence enters the world. This moment of creation is both fragile and powerful, holding within it the balance of beginnings, transformation, and connection to all living things.
Creation honours the unseen forces that surround birth and renewal—the spark of energy that signals the start of a new journey. It is a reminder that every form of life begins with a moment of connection and intention, where spirit and energy align to bring something new into existence.
Materials: Old Growth Red Cedar, Acrylic Paint, Yellow Cedar Bark Rope.
Finding Balance Panel
This panel was inspired by the ongoing challenge of finding balance in one’s life. It reflects the constant effort to stay centred while moving through the many demands, emotions, and responsibilities that shape our everyday experience. At its core, the work speaks to harmony—both within oneself and within the world around us.
Water is a central element in this piece, representing flow, adaptability, and renewal. Just as water shifts between stillness and movement, calm and force, it reminds us that life is always changing.
The design reflects the balance of nature and the cycle of life. Everything is interconnected—growth, decay, rest, and renewal all exist within a continuous rhythm. The tides, the seasons, and the flow of water itself all mirror this natural cycle, reminding us that balance is not a fixed state but an ongoing process of adjustment and awareness.
Materials: Old Growth Yellow Cedar, Abalone, Acrylic Paint, Red Cedar Bark Rope.
Sea Urchin Panel
While on a trip to the West Coast of the Vancouver Island I came across some beautiful sea urchin shells. I sat very quietly and still while looking closely at the patters and all the shades of colors and after a book of sketches I came up with this design. The background is old growth red cedar, the black is a thick high quality plastic, and the front piece is aluminum. I dismantled the design elements so that each layer is one line of the design and all layers are needed to complete the whole.
Materials: Old Growth Red Cedar, Aluminum, Polymer Industrial Plastic.
White and Black Raven Healing Rattle
This rattle was inspired by the legends or histories of the white albino animals. The Elders say that when the world starts seeing the white raven or bear then it is the earth and ancestors telling us that something is out of balance.
Materials: Old Growth Yellow Cedar, Cedar Root, Marine String, River pebbles, Acrylic Paint.
Hummingbird and Honeysuckle Paddle
When I was little we used to pick the honeysuckles and inside the flowers there was a sweetness we could taste. Here on Vancouver Island a grew up watching humming birds feed on these beautiful little flowers. I tried to create many layers and depth with the deep carving on this one.
Materials: Old Growth Yellow Cedar, Cedar Root, Copper, Acrylic Paint.
Honey Bee and Clover Paddle
I’ve designed butterflies, dragonflies and all kinds of birds but I have been working on a Honey Bee design for a few years now. It finally came together on this paddle that I designed in 2022. I’ve seen local honey bees feeding on white and purple clover so thought this would be a great combination.
Materials: Old Growth Yellow Cedar, Cedar Root, Gold Leaf, Acrylic Paint.
Researching the Microscopic
Often when drawing a design I’ll break down what it is I am drawing into the most simple lines and images. As an artist we have to understand how plants, animals, people are made. Learning the shapes, muscles, seeds, sprouts are all important parts of creating an image.
Materials: Old Growth Yellow Cedar, Cedar Root, Copper, Marine String, Acrylic Paint.
Oregon Grape Flowers Print
This print was inspired by my respect for the multiple uses of the Oregon grape plant. We used to eat the sweet flowers in the spring, the roots can be used for a cleansing tea or dying wool yellow and the berries can be made into jelly. This plant is a natural source of antibiotics and often used as medicine.
Materials: Cotton Rag Printing Paper, Printing Paint
Contemporary Fishing Basket
I have spent time researching old baskets and came across the old fishing baskets that were used in the rivers here. Though this one isn’t a true replication as the internal section is missing the shape is here. While being taught to collect cedar slats I thought it would be fun to try an open weave contemporary basket and this is the result. This is now in the permanent collection at the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver BC.
Materials: Red Cedar Bark, Copper, Cedar Slats
Trillium Digital Drawing
While growing up these flowers bloom every spring. We were always told not to pick them or they wouldn’t grow back the following year. One of my favorite times of the year as everything is waking from the winter these flowers tell us that spring is here and new life is beginning. I am new to digital drawing and this is only my second one. I find it’s important to continue to learn as we grow. The Elders tell us to always continue to learn as it keeps the mind healthy.
Butterfly Pendant
This tiny little pendant depicts the orange butterflies that we see in the summer. Only about 2 1/2″ across this pieces is wrapped with cedar bark rope and a hand made copper claps.
Materials: Old Growth Yellow Cedar, Red Cedar Bark Braided Rope, Acrylic Paint, Copper
Blue Heron Paddle and the Wolf Paddle
These two paddles were a commission for a collection on an Island that my families have lived on for thousands of years.
The Blue Heron Paddle: Living by the ocean I often get to see the great blue herons that live near by. They seems like they are from another time with their size, shapes and long beaks.
The Wolf Paddle: this paddle depicts a contemporary Coast Salish design of a Wolf.
Materials: Yellow cedar, Cedar root, Copper, Marine Twine, Acrylic Paint.
Kingfisher and Fish
This paddle is inspired by the Kingfisher that we see when we go swimming in the summer. With the feathers sticking out from the back of the head, and white ring around the neck and the unique sound it makes when flying by this little but fast bird has a lot to say and teach us.
Regression Block Print on Hand Made Embossed Paper
Abstract images that depict imagery of being united or together for 20 years this print was an anniversary present for a collector. I ended up adding cedar bark rope to one side using the same method I saw on old blankets that were collecting and taken back to England.
Flicker and Loon Bentwood Box
This bentwood box is inspired by the Flicker and the Loon, two birds that carry distinct qualities and teachings from both land and water. The design reflects the idea that life brings unexpected connections, and that by remaining open to others and their uniqueness, we often form meaningful friendships with those we might never have anticipated meeting.
The Flicker, a land bird, is known for its vibrant markings, adaptability, and its connection to the earth. Often seen foraging on the ground or in trees, the Flicker represents curiosity, groundedness, and the ability to find nourishment and meaning close to home. It reminds us of the importance of staying connected to the land and embracing the diversity found within it.
The Loon, a water bird, carries a very different but equally powerful presence. It is deeply connected to lakes and waterways, moving gracefully between diving beneath the surface and rising again into open water. The Loon symbolizes emotional depth, communication, and the ability to navigate both seen and unseen worlds. Its resonating call is often associated with reflection and connection across distance and space.
Blue Heron Painting
This painting represents one of my earliest works that brings together my love for abstract painting with Coast Salish design principles. It marks an important moment in my artistic journey, where I began exploring how form, movement, and cultural visual language can exist together in a single composition.
The inspiration for this piece came from time spent in my kayak, moving quietly across the water in the early morning. During these moments, I would often see herons feeding at the shoreline, calm and focused as they began their day. There was a sense of stillness and intention in the way they moved—patient, precise, and deeply connected to their environment.
The rising sun reflecting off the water created shifting patterns of light and movement across the waves, blending with the natural rhythm of the shoreline. This interplay of light, water, and motion became a central influence in the painting, shaping its abstract qualities while still holding grounded references to place and experience.
Welcoming Spring
This painting is about as abstract as I get with my art work. I called this spaz art because one day I was feeling overwhelmed and needed to release some energy. I had this canvas and a basket full of paints and this is what happened. I love the metalic gold paint and the bright pinks and oranges with the muted background. I focused on creating a flowing tension that one might see in an untamed bush of flowers.
20 Year Anniversary
This is a Yellow Cedar Rattle that is inspired by the love of a couple for 20 + years.
Digital Poppy
This is one of my first digital drawings that is a tribute to those who fought for our freedoms in the war. My family fought on the shores of Normandy and built the planes needed to ensure our freedom. I will forever be grateful and pay tribute to the ones who fought for us to be here today.
Micro Original Painting
This original painting is about 1″ x 1/2″. Inspired by the idea that you never know who you’re going to meet and end up being friends with while being open to other peoples uniqueness. The flicker is a forest bird and the loon is an ocean bird and it’s unlikely that they would ever cross paths.
The Four Elements Healing Rattles
This set of rattles is now in the permanent collection at the National Gallery of Canada. It was part of the 2017 Biennial show that spoke to the importance of contemporary Coast Salish Art and the influence contemporary artists have on the art form.
Out of the Frame Art Show
The Out of the Frame Art Show was curated by Andrea Welsh from the University of Victoria’s Legacy Art Gallery. In the photo to the left I am closely inspecting the first steps of the print making with printer Andy MacDougall.
Out of the Frame
This art show was a collaboration with Charles Elliott, Douglas LaFortune, Andy Everson, Maynard Johnny Jr., lessLIE, Chris Paul, and Dylan Thomas.
The Raven and the Moth
This root paddle is about 3ft long and depicts a raven and a moth. I had a dream about a moth that inspired this design. There was a moth in the kitchen so I tried to save it and was letting it go outside when a bird flew past and caught it and ate it. It happened so fast I couldn’t do anything but stand there in complete shock.
Carving the fine detail of The Raven and Moth Root Paddle.
Root paddles were used for digging the roots of cedar, grasses, medicinal and edible plants. They are approximately 3ft and sometime they were burned on the tip of the blade to harden and protect the wood.
Medicine Woman and Oregon Grape Healing Rattle.
This rattle was a commission and is now in a private collection.
Materials: Yellow cedar, Cedar root, Red cedar bark, Owl feathers, pebbles from the Cowichan river.
“Angela’s art is important to how contemporary Coast Salish Art is impacting how artists design.”
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Angela Marston Art & Design 