The Spirit of Shape

Meghann O'Brien
Vancouver, BC

Size

15" x 29"

Medium

Naaxiin(Chilkat) Weaving, cedar bark, cashmere

The Spirit of Shape is a reclamation of spirit. The line down the centre represents contact on the Northwest Coast, with each side representing pre- and post-contact. The narrow triangular piece of the design represents aspects of Indigenous knowledge becoming a part of our lives today and creating a space of healing.

The Spirit of Shape

Meghann O'Brien
Vancouver, BC

About the artist
About the artist

Meghann O'Brien
Vancouver, BC

Meghann O'Brien (b. 1982) is a Northwest Coast weaver from the community of Alert Bay, BC. Her innovative approach to the traditional art forms of basketry - Yeil Koowu (Raven's Tail) and Naaxiin (Chilkat) textiles - connects to the rhythms and patterns of the natural world and creates a continuity between herself and her ancestors. O'Brien, who left the world of professional snowboarding to work full time as a weaver in 2010, employs materials such as hand-spun mountain goat wool and cedar bark in her meticulous weavings and baskets. She has apprenticed with master weavers Kerri Dick, Sherri Dick, and William White. Meghann now lives in Vancouver, BC, and is currently exploring the intersection of indigenous materials and techniques with the world of fashion. She travels globally to lecture and demonstrate, while emphasizing the value of contributing to the contemporary ceremonial practices of the Haida and Kwakwakw'wakw people.

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