Salmon Circle
by LessLIE, Cowichan First Nation
Serigraph, archival framing
edition 36/100
21.25” height x 21.25” wide x 1.5” deep framed
Cowichan Nation artist LessLIE (Leslie Robert Sam) was born 1973 in Duncan, British Columbia
"I have devoted a great deal of time and energy to the study of Coast Salish art. Through my studies I have come to truly appreciate this unique art form. It is an incredible gift our ancestors have given us. My artwork is intended to bring a greater appreciation of Coast Salish art to Coast Salish communities as well as to the general public. My goal as an artist is to provide a contemporary expression of this ancient and distinctive art form."
LessLIE has a Bachelor of Arts degree in First Nations Studies from Malaspina University-College. While working on this undergraduate degree, LessLIE began to study Coast Salish art. He has been studying Coast Salish art for ten years. LessLIE is currently working on a Master of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Victoria. The thesis of this Master's degree is a critique of the literature on Coast Salish art. As a component of his graduate degree LessLIE has been spending time carving at Thunderbird Park for the Royal B.C. Museum.
When he first began to study Coast Salish art, LessLIE was inspired and encouraged by his cousin, Joe Wilson. He has also been influenced by other young Coast Salish artists such as Manual Salazar, Maynard Johnny Jr., and Shaun Peterson. His main influences as an artist are Susan Point and Robert Davidson.
