Keira-anne.com

Being that I have an overwhelming love and appreciation for the art of B.C. Coastal First Nations people, I have long wanted to visit UBC’s Museum of Anthropology, but for whatever reason, never went. Earlier this week I told my friend Craig that I’d be dragging him out there because this was something that I really wanted to do, and I wanted to go with someone who would let me take my time and allow me to enjoy the time I was to spend there.

Much of the museum is being renovated for expansion, so unfortunately, many of the exhibits were compacted together. Despite the crowded feeling, seeing Bill Reid’s piece, “The Raven and the First Men,” in person was exhilerating for me. The Great Hall, which features floor-to-ceiling windows and is filled with breath-taking totems, was simply quite stunning. I can understand that First Nations art isn’t something that interests everyone. However, unlike the majority of art of any generation, I feel very strongly that First Nations art tells a story, evokes emotion and shares part of the past. Each piece is very carefully crafted, both physically and emotionally. No piece is random, and that heart is so strongly conveyed through what I see.

In addition, I was completely thrilled upon arrival to find out that amateur photography within the museum was actually encouraged, as long as flashing was kept to a minimum. Check out more of what we saw on my Flickr page if you’re interested.