The Gallery
Operating on the unceded, traditional territory of Tseshaht First Nation, Ahstik Gallery represents First Nation artists practicing traditional Northwest Coast art from across British Columbia.
Founded in 2008 by master carver Gordon Dick, the gallery has become a premier destination for those seeking art from Nuu-chah-nulth, Kwakiutl and Coast Salish First Nations, along with their neighbouring nations.
The space was designed to feature the richness and diversity of culture among Vancouver Island’s Indigenous populations, while highlighting the distinct signature styles of First Nation regions along Canada’s west coast.
When the Indian Act was passed by the Canadian government in 1867, it aimed to eradicate Indigenous culture by attempting to assimilate First Nations into a Eurocentric society. In an amendment to the act, “Potlatch Law” was brought into effect and made it illegal for First Nations to practice cultural ceremonies, art and dance.
This law also provided a framework for government officials to remove cultural items from communities, such as totem poles and longhouse curtain. Most of these items were never returned and continue to live in museum collections around the world.
In many ways, Dick established Ahtsik Gallery as a testament to the strength of his ancestors, who continued to practice their traditional art forms in secret. It’s a celebration of Dick’s ancestral roots and the unbreakable spirit of Indigenous populations across Canada.
Nuu-chah-nulth
The 14 Nuu-chah-nulth nations are located along Vancouver Island’s west coast. asdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdadasdasdasdasasdasdasdasdasdaasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasda f
Their signature style includes:
The presence of soft, flowing ovals are balanced between hard, geometric lines.
The shapes are inspired by nature.
Bold broad shapes.
Asymmetrical designs.
Kwakiutl
Kwakiutl First Nation is based in northern Vancouver Island, near Port Hardy. asdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdadasdasdasdasasdasdasdasdasdaasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasda f
Their signature style includes:
A strong presence of white paint.
A liberal application of paint.
Dramatic, angular lines.
Square U-shaped forms with narrow ends.
Coast Salish
Coast Salish territory spans from the northern limit of the Salish Sea on the inside of Vancouver Island and covers most of Southern Vancouver Island, extending to the lower mainland, Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula.
Their signature style includes:
A strong presence of repeated circles and crescents.
A spare application of paint.
The use of spindle whorl imagery, a form based on a traditional tool for spinning wool.
Gallerist + Master Carver
Gordon Dick
(b. 1971) Gordon Dick is a Nuu-chah-nulth master carver residing on the traditional territory of Tseshaht First Nation, in what is currently known as Port Alberni, British Columbia. As a member of Tseshaht, Dick was fortunate to grow up on his homelands surrounded by artists and elders who taught him the practice of patience. It’s with this in mind that he approaches all of his work.
Beginning as a silversmith in 1995, Dick worked on small, intricate designs before transitioning to the large-scale wood carvings he is now known for. His work is held in private collections around the world and he has been invited to carve at various carving symposiums in Germany, Mexico, Hawaii and Italy.
Each project begins with an appreciation for the wood he is working with. Dick studies it, carefully observing its colour, texture, along with its knots, twists and cracks. These imperfections add to its beauty and Dick honours them by intentionally including them in his final carvings.
Animal motifs are heavily visible in Dick’s work and act as a reminder that we are not separate from nature.
As a child, Dick’s relationship to his environment was nurtured by his grandmother, Agnes, whose teachings continue to inform his practice and relationship to the materials he works with.
“Our culture is like nature,” he recalls of her teachings. “It's always moving and evolving. If it didn’t, it would cease to exist.”
Dick operates his carving shed and studio on site, where you’ll often find him making wood chips.
Purchasing
If you are interested in purchasing an item from our collection, please contact us directly to secure the piece. Items that are “works in progress” may be claimed with a deposit.
In-person home consultations and installation services are available to those residing in the Alberni Valley and surrounding region.
Commissions
Gallerist and master carver, Gordon Dick is available for commissions and open to collaborative projects. Please send us an email detailing your budget, timeline and concept vision.
It is helpful to include inspiration photos, desired material, colours and dimensions, along with where you are located.
Shipping
Shipping fees include custom crating and packaging materials, as well as transit insurance.
International deliveries may be subject to customs, duties and taxes that are to be paid by customers.
